Prince Edward Island Commercial Pesticide Vendor Safety Training … · 2017-03-28 · Prince Edward Island Commercial Pesticide Vendor Safety Training Manual Developed by Atlantic

Prince Edward Island Commercial Pesticide Vendor

Safety Training Manual

Developed by Atlantic Information Services Taymouth, New Brunswick

Edited by Don B. Reeves

Manager, Pesticide Regulatory Program PEI Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry

July 2007

Questions or comments regarding the Prince Edward Island Commercial Pesticide Vendor SafetyTraining Manual should be directed to:

Manager, Pesticide Regulatory ProgramPEI Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry

Telephone: (902) 368-5053Fax: (902) 368-5830E-mail: [email protected]

Notice

This manual is provided for information only. Users of this manual rely on the contents of this manualat their own risk. This manual is not intended to be a representation of the current law on the subject ofpesticide use. Users of this manual should always check with the appropriate authorities in their area toensure Users are conducting their activities in a proper manner and in accordance with the laws of theirjurisdiction. The Government of Prince Edward Island, as represented by the Department ofEnvironment, Energy and Forestry, is in no way responsible for the activities of Users of this manual.

Copyright© 2007, Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry, Government of Prince EdwardIsland. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form orby any means, without prior written consent of the Department.

The use of any pest control product is not endorsed, recommended, or criticized by its being mentionedin this publication.

This manual is available from: Pesticide Regulatory ProgramPEI Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry PO Box 2000Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8Telephone: (902) 368-5053Fax: (902) 368-5830

Acknowledgments

This manual was prepared for the P.E.I. Department of Environment, Energy andForestry by Atlantic Information Services. The author wishes to acknowledge thatinformation contained within the Prince Edward Island Commercial Pesticide VendorSafety Training Manual, November 2001, was used to assist in the preparation of thismanual.

The Prince Edward Island Domestic Pesticide Vendor Safety Training Manual exceedsthe requirements of the Basic Knowledge Requirements for Pesticide Education inCanada, Vendor/Dispenser Core. The Prince Edward Island Department ofEnvironment, Energy and Forestry would like to acknowledge the contributions made bythe National Task Force on Pesticide Education, Certification and Training in thedevelopment of the National Standard, from which this manual evolved.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction to PesticidesIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1Learning Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2Pest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2Pesticide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2Active Ingredient . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3Carriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3Adjuvants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3Pesticide Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Product Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5Common Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5Chemical Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Classifying Pesticides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6Target Pest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6Mode of Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6Chemical Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8

Pesticide Formulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9

Summary of Formulation Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10Liquid Formulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12Solid Formulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13Gas Formulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15Special Formulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15Tank Mixes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16Sources of Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17

Chapter 2 Pesticide LegislationIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1Learning Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1Federal Legislation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Pest Control Products Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1Class Designation of Pesticides in Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Domestic Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3Commercial Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3Restricted Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5Manufacturing Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

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Other Federal Legislation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5Food and Drugs Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5Migratory Birds Convention Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5Fertilizers Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6Fisheries Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6Pesticide Residues Compensation Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6Feeds Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7Canadian Environmental Protection Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

WHMIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7National Building Code of Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8National Fire Code of Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8Provincial Pesticide Legislation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8Prince Edward Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9Pesticides Control Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Regulations for the Protection of the Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9Sale of Domestic Pesticides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10Sale of Non-domestic Pesticides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

Municipal Legislation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Chapter 3 LabellingIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1Learning Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1Legal Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2Components of a Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Principal Display Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3Secondary Display Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10

Reading the Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15Material Safety Data Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17

Availability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19

Chapter 4 Pesticides and Human HealthIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1Learning Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2Exposure to Pesticides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2Customers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Table of Contents

Routes of Exposure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4Inhalation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4Ingestion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4Dermal Absorption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5Ocular Absorption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7

Toxicology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8Toxicity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11Cholinesterase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11Cholinesterase Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13

Chapter 5 SafetyIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1Learning Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1Responsibility and Attitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1General Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

Personal Protective Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

Chapter 6 The EnvironmentIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1Learning Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1Environmental Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Persistence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3Non-target Toxicity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

Pesticide Fate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3Degradation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4Bio-accumulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6Biomagnification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6Volatization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6Adsorption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7Absorption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

Natural Environmental Processes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7Spray Drift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8Surface Runoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8Leaching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9Soil Erosion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9

Table of Contents

Pesticides in Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10Contamination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10

Pesticides in Soil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11Contamination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12Persistent Pesticides in the Soil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12

Pesticides in Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13Contamination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13

Pesticide Impact on Natural Ecosystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13Animals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13Beneficial Insects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14Fish and Other Aquatic Organisms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-15Plants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-16

Additional Information Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-16

Chapter 7 Transportation, Display, Storage, and DisposalIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1Learning Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1Exemptions from TDG Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4Provincial Legislation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5General Guidelines for Transportation of Pesticides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7

Provincial Legislation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7Good Practice Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9

Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11Vendor Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11Customer Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12Surplus Tank Mix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12Disposal of Empty Pesticide Containers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13Container Recycle Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13

Chapter 8 Pest ManagementIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1Learning Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1Integrated Pest Management (IPM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2

Elements of IPM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2

Table of Contents

Pest Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-13Weeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-13Insects and Mites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-17Slugs and Snails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-21Diseases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-21Vertebrate Pests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-25

Pesticide Resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-28

Chapter 9 Pesticide ApplicationIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1Learning Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1Application Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2

Equipment Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2Equipment Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2Amount of Pesticide to Purchase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5Equipment Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6Application Rate Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8Equipment Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9

Environmental Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9

Chapter 10 Emergency ResponseIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1Learning Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1Risks and Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1

Risk Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2Risk Reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4

Emergency Response Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4Preparing an Emergency Response Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5Safety Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-9

Emergency Services, Supplies, and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-9First Aid Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-9First Aid Kits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-10Emergency Conveyance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11Eyewash/Shower Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11Respiratory Protective Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11Fire Fighting Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11

Table of Contents

Specific Emergency Response Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12Injuries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13Poisoning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13

First Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15First Aid Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15

Pesticide Spills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19Prevention and Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20Small Spill Containment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22Dry Product Spills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22Management of a Major Spill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23Follow-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24Personal Hygiene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24Responding Spills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24

Pesticide Theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24Prevention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25

Pesticide Fires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25Preparation and Prevention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25

Chapter 11 ProfessionalismIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1Learning Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1Legal Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1Vendor Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2

Customer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2

Public Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3Knowledge and Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3Attitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4Work Habits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4

Appendix A Glossary of Pesticide TermsAppendix B ReferencesAppendix C Schedule 2 PesticidesAppendix D Prince Edward Island Pesticides Control Act and Regulations

Introduction to Pesticides 1-1

Introduction to Pesticides 1Introduction As a vendor, it is important that you understand how pests

affect our daily lives. They can damage crops and forests,causing economic loss. They can invade our homes andbuildings, and impact human health. The use of chemicalpesticides is a common strategy for dealing with manypests.

When used correctly, pesticides can aid in the productionof cost-effective food crops and help prevent the spread ofpests. They can be used to sanitize areas and help controldiseases that can be transmitted to humans or animals (e.g.,West Nile). Other pesticides can aid in the protection andmaintenance of parks, forests, and rights-of-way. However,when handled or used incorrectly, pesticides can harmpeople, wildlife, and livestock. They can enter streams andrivers and contaminate drinking water supplies. They canalso contamination soil, food, and feed.

As a vendor, you can help to protect your safety as well asthe safety of employees, customers, and the environment ifyou know how to: < Legally and safely sell, handle, and store pesticides< Interpret information on the pesticide label< Interpret federal and provincial legislation

This chapter introduces you to general terminology andinformation on pesticides.


LearningObjectives

Completing this chapter will help you to:< Identify the importance of safe pesticide use < Apply safety guidelines for selecting and handling

pesticides< Use proper pesticide terms< Identify pesticides and their uses< Understand pesticide groupings< Identify good sources of information on pesticides< Understand compatibility and tank mixing

Pest A pest is any living organism that causes undesirable effects. Some plants or animals can be desirable in one location, butbecome a pest in another. Pests include injurious, noxious, ortroublesome organisms in the following groups: < Fungi< Weeds < Insects< Mites< Rodents< Slugs and snails< Birds < Some forms of wildlife (e.g., racoons, coyotes, deer)

Pesticide A pesticide is any device, organism, or substance that isintended to prevent, destroy, control, repel, or manage a pest. Pesticides also include plant growth regulators, plantdefoliants, and plant desiccants. Chemical pesticides areusually a mixture of one or more active ingredients (thechemicals that control the target pests) and several additives.

Active Ingredient The active ingredient (a.i.) is that part of the pesticideformulation that produces the desired or toxic effect againstthe pest. A pesticide can contain more than one activeingredient. The same active ingredient(s) can be found indifferent pesticides.


Customers should never add an adjuvantunless the product label specifically advisesthem to do so.

Additives Additives are the ingredients included in a mixture to makethe product safer, more effective, more convenient to handle,or easier to apply.

Carriers Carriers are materials mixed with an active ingredient tomake the product safer to handle, easier to apply, or bettersuited for storage. Materials used as carriers can includewater, oil, solvents, or clay.

Adjuvants Adjuvants are added to pesticides in order to increase theireffectiveness. They can help the pesticide spread moreevenly to cover leaves, or better penetrate the outer layer of aplant or insect. Adjuvants can also help an insecticide stickto a plant in such a way that it may be contacted by an insect.

Adjuvants can be included in the formulation by themanufacturer or added to the spray tank by the applicator.


Adjuvants FunctionSurfactants improve the spreading, dispersing, and wetting properties

of a pesticide.

Wetting agents cause solutions or suspensions to make better contactwith treated surfaces.

Spreaders assist in the even distribution of a pesticide over thetarget.

Stickers help the pesticide to stay on the plants or other surface.

Thickeners reduce pesticide drift to other areas by increasing dropletsize.

Anti-foaming agents reduce foaming or spray mixtures that require vigorousagitation.

Buffers slow chemical breakdown of some pesticides by loweringthe pH of alkaline water.

Drift reducers reduce pesticide drift

Pesticide vendors must be able to:< Interpret information on a pesticide label to assist

customers and ensure proper product handling at thevendor site

< Legally and safely transport, store, display, handle, andsell pesticides to protect:• Themselves and other employees from

hazards• The environment from contamination• The public from exposure

PesticideTerminology

As a vendor you should understand that pesticides can beidentified by:< Product name< Common name< Chemical name Understanding these terms can reduce confusion whenproviding information on a pesticide.


Product Name The product name is the registered trade name or trademarkchosen by the manufacturer. It is clearly displayed on theprincipal panel of the label, with the first, or all letterscapitalized (e.g., Roundup, KILLEX). The product nameoften appears in large letters.

Common Name Common name refers to the name of the active ingredient(s)in a pesticide. It appears on a pesticide label in lower-caseletters, usually next to the word "Guarantee." As a vendoryou should read the label carefully, as the same activeingredient can be found in a number of pesticide products(e.g., 2,4-D).

Chemical Name Chemical name refers to the name of the chemical structureof the active ingredient(s) in a pesticide. It does not usuallyappear on a pesticide label, but does appear in the MaterialSafety Data Sheet for the pesticide.

Examples of pesticide products listed by their product,common, and chemical names are as follows:

ProductName Common Name Chemical Name of the Active Ingredient

KILLEX LAWNWEED CONTROL

2,4-D mecopropdicamba

(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) acetic acid2-(4-chloro-o-tolyoxy) propionic acid

3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid

ROUNDUP glyphosate (phosphonomethyl) (glycine)

COOP LIQUIDSEVIN

carbaryl 1-napthyl methylcarbamate

RAID WASP ANDHORNET KILLER

propoxur 2-isopropoxyphenyl methylcarbamate

ROZOL RAT &MOUSE KILLER

chlorophacinone 2-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-phenylacetyl]indane-1,3-dione


ClassifyingPesticides

Pesticides can be classified in a number of different ways.Most commonly, they are classified according to:< Their target (the pests they control)< Their mode of action (the way they control the pest)< Their chemical structure

Target Pest Pesticides are often grouped according to the pest theycontrol. Examples of selected pesticide groups classified bytarget pests are as follows:

Pesticide Target Examplefungicide fungi Captan

herbicide weeds 2,4-D

insecticides insects Sevin

miticide mites Omite

rodenticides rodent (rats, mice) Warfarin

Mode of Action Pesticides can also be classified according to their mode ofaction—the way they enter or affect the target pest. Manypesticides can have more than one mode of action.

Contact Pesticides Contact pesticides control their targets by direct contact. For example, weeds are killed when enough of their surfacearea has been covered with a contact herbicide. Insects canbe killed when sprayed directly, or when they crawl acrosssurfaces previously sprayed with contact insecticides.


Systemic Pesticides Systemic pesticides control their targets by being absorbedinto and moving within the pest being treated. Translocationis the process whereby a systemic herbicide movesthroughout a treated plant. For example, target weeds thatreceive only a partial spray coverage will be killed by asystemic herbicide as it moves within the plant to untreatedareas of leaves, stems, or roots. Target insects can be killedas they feed on the juices that carry systemic insecticidesthroughout a plant.

Somesystemicinsecticides aretransportedthroughtreatedanimals. Asystemicinsecticideapplied tothe skin of

an animal (e.g., beef cattle, dogs) will control internalparasites and pests throughout the animal’s body.


List of additional modes of action

Group Mode of Action

Attractants Pesticides that have a particular odour or scent that attractsinsects to a trap for identification or control.

EradicantsFungicides that can kill a pest once the pest has infected aplant, but before the pest becomes well established.Eradicants provide better pest control than protectants,because they have an element of post-infection control.

FumigantsPesticides that work in the gaseous form and control pestswhen the pests breathe in gases, or the gases are absorbed intotheir bodies through another manner.

Growth regulatorsPesticides that, once taken in by the pest, act like a pest’s ownhormones, disrupting normal development and cause it to diebefore it can become fully developed.

ProtectantsFungicides that prevent disease infection by creating a barrierbetween the pest and the plant, thereby preventing the diseasefrom becoming established.

Repellents Pesticides that produce an odour, repelling the pest from thetreated area or plants.

Stomach ingestion Pesticides that poison the pest when eaten.

ChemicalStructure

A third way of classifying pesticides is by their chemicalstructure. Pesticides in the same chemical class or family havesimilar chemical structures and, usually, a similar mode ofaction.

Chemical Class Exampleorganophosphates acephate

carbamates carbaryl

triazines atrazine

phenoxys 2,4-D


The active ingredient is the chemicalpart of the formulation that producesthe desired effect on the pest

PesticideFormulations

Pesticides are manufactured as formulations, which in turn canbe in liquid, solid, or gaseous forms. A formulation is amixture of active ingredient(s) and inert ingredients.

Inert ingredients can include carriers, or adjuvants, that aremixed with the active ingredient. They are added to make apesticide suitable for storage or handling, or to improve itseffectiveness for controlling a pest.

Types There are three main types of pesticide formulations: liquids,solids, and gases. Many pesticides are available in differentforms or types of formulations. The specific formulation ofmany pesticides is indicted by an abbreviation that appears onthe product label.

D or DU DustDF Dry FlowableDV DeviceEC Emulsifiable ConcentrateF FlowableG or GR GranularL or LI LiquidLO Live OrganismMS MicroencapsulatedP or PE PelletPA PastePF PressurizedPT ParticulateS SolutionSC Soluble ConcentrateSG Soluble GranuleSN or S Active SolutionSP Soluble PowderSU SuspensionTA Tablet


WD Water Dispersible GranuleWG Wettable GranulesWP Wettable PowderWS Water Soluble Concentrate

Summary of Formulation TypesName Description Advantages Disadvantages Typical Use

Solids Dry FlowablePesticides

A wettable powder whichis formulated into smallpellets or granules.

Much less dusty thanWP formulations andeasier to handle

Requires agitation inspray tank

General use

Dust or Powder A finely ground drymaterial of a low activeingredient concentrationplus inert ingredients suchas talc. No dilutionneeded before use.

Ready to use Dusty. Drifts.Can easily beseen on surface

Spot treatmentAnimal powder

Ear Tag/Vapour Strips

Slow-release generator -solid base material and avolatile liquid or solidtoxicant(s). Slowly emits asa vapour, or releases oncontact with skin (ear tag).

Ready to use Animal ear tagsFly control

Granular A mix of dry, large free-flowing particles usuallywith a low concentration ofactive ingredient.

No mixing required. Ready to use.Drift minimal

Some dust. Requiresspecial applicationequipment

Soil treatment for insect orvegetationcontrol

Particulate or Bait Mixture of large particlesnot recognized as a pelletor granular formulation. Mixed with edible material.

Easy to spot treat Pets and children mayeat it

Bait for insects orrodents

Pellet Preformed mixture ofactive ingredient andinerts to form small solidpieces.

As above As above Baits to controlrodents, slugs

Seed Treatment A finely ground drymaterial containing acoloured dye

Added colour makes iteasy to tell treatedseed from untreated.

Care must be taken withdye

Seed treatment


Summary of Formulation Types (continued)Name Description Advantages Disadvantages Typical UseTablet A preformed “tablet”

composed of inerts andactive ingredient

Easy to measure anduse

Accessible to pets andchildren

Fumigant

Wettable Powder(W.P.)

Active ingredient plus apowder. Contains awetting and dispersingagent. Forms asuspension in water.

Containers emptyeasily. No liquid spills

Dusty. Requiresagitation to remain insuspension

General use

Liquids

Aerosol A liquid with one or moresolvents. Ready to use inpressurized containers

No mixing required.Low concentration ofactive ingredient

Pressurized containersare hazardous ifpunctured or heated

Flying insectcontrol

EmulsifiableConcentrate (EC)

A clear solution withemulsifiersto be diluted in water. Final spray solution has amilky look

A high concentrationof active ingredient ineach container.Buy less bulk

Possibly flammable General use

Gel High assay semi liquid,emulsifiable concentrate

Used with WaterSoluble Packaging

Cannot measure“undividable” amounts

Agriculture uses

Micro-encapsulatedSuspension

A suspension with activeingredient in micro-capsules giving a slowrelease of activeingredient

See comments onEC’s. Increases’ theresidue of activeingredient Reduceshazard to operator.

May be expensive Insecticides

Suspension orFlowable

A cloudy liquid composedof solid particles of activeingredient (finely ground)in a liquid. Must be diluted

See comments onEC’s.

Active ingredient maysettle out of formulation.

General use

True Liquid/Solution Active ingredient is insolution, usually water,and when mixed withwater remains clear.

See comments onEC’s. Requires littleagitation when addedto water in spray tank

Possibly corrosive General use

Gases

Fumigants Volatile liquids or solidspackaged for release as agas

Toxic to many formsof the pest at onetime. Penetratescracks and crevices

Area to be fumigatedmust be well sealed. Highly toxic.

Greenhouses. Mushroomhouses. Otherstructures. Bulkcontainers.

Source: Grower Pesticide Safety Course Manual 1998, Ontario Ministry of the Environment


Liquid Formulations Liquid formulations are listed as: < Emulsifiable concentrates< Flowables< Microencapsulated suspensions< Solutions< Aerosols < Ready-to-use pesticides

Emulsifiable concentrates are liquids that contain the activeingredient(s), solvents, and emulsifiers. They form milkyspray mixtures when added to water. These formulations aresuitable for low-pressure garden sprayers and are used forpest control on fruit, vegetables, and lawn plants. As avendor, you should advise your customers that anemulsifiable concentrate formulation can:< Harm plants when applied in high temperature< Easily be absorbed through the skin. Customers need to

wear gloves and long sleeved shirts when handling andapplying these pesticides

< Drift when applied in high winds

Flowables are liquids. They consist of the active ingredient,in a solid form, suspended in a liquid. They must be diluted.

Microencapsulated suspensions are small capsulessuspended in a liquid. The active ingredient is slowlyreleased from the capsules.

Solutions are clear liquids composed of an activeingredient(s) dissolved in a solvent.


Aerosols are solutions packaged in a pressurized container. When the nozzle is depressed, the pesticide exits thecontainer. Aerosols are usually sold in small size containersand are useful for treating only small areas. As a vendor, youshould advise your customers that aerosols:< Can be dangerous if overheated. Containers should

never be burned, as they can explode< Can be attractive to children and must be stored in a

locked compartment< Are always ready to use< Are easy to store< Have a long shelf-life

Ready-to-use liquids require no pre-mixing. This makesthem safe and easy to handle by your customer. A number of domestic class pesticides come in this form. Householdformulations generally have no unpleasant odours. Customers must take care when aiming the spray. As avendor, you should advise your customers that ready-to-usesprays:< Evaporate quickly< Can be very useful for small and infrequent treatments< Reduce the need for a customer to store concentrated

pesticides< Can be useful for the control of flying and crawling

insects

Solid Formulations Solid formulations include:< Dusts< Baits< Granular formulations< Pellets< Soluble granules< Tablets< Wettable and soluble powders


Dusts are dry material made up of an active ingredient(s) andan inert material. The inert material is talc, clay, or finevolcanic ash. Dusts are ready-to-use and can be applied withsimple equipment. They provide customers with the ability todo spot treatments. Care must be taken when using them outdoors as they can travel a long distance when applied in highwinds. Dusts can be used to control:< Lice, fleas, and other external parasites on pets and

domestic animals< Carpenter ants between walls< Leaf-eating insects in the garden

Baits are an active ingredient mixed with an edible substanceto attract the pest. There are liquid baits and solid baits. When the pest eats the bait it also consumes the pesticide.Baits are commonly used for the control of cockroaches, ants,and rodents. As a vendor, you should advise your customersthat baits:< Need to be handled with care< Must be placed in specially designed bait stations< Must be kept away from children, pets, wildlife, and

domestic animals< Can control pests that range over a large area

Granular formulations are a dry mixture of large, free-flowing particles. They usually contain a low concentrationof an active ingredient. Some have systemic action, so thesemust be absorbed by the roots. As a vendor, you should adviseyour customers that granular formulations:< Are ready-to-use and can be applied with simple

application equipment, such as a fertilizer spreader< Are often used to control pests living on the surface or

in the soil< Need to be applied evenly< Can pose a hazard to birds, if they remain too long on

the surface

Pellets are a mixture of active ingredient and inert materials,formed into spheres or cylinders.


Soluble granules are similar to granules, but can be dissolvedin a liquid.

Tablets are either an active ingredient alone, or an activeingredient and inert ingredients. They are formed into smallblocks or spheres.

Wettable powders and soluble powders are dry materialscontaining a relatively high concentration of active ingredient,inert dust, and a wetting agent. They do not dissolve, butform a suspension when mixed with water. You shouldadvise your customers that these powders:< Are easy to store, transport, and handle< Are generally safer to use on new growth or tender

foliage than other formulations< Are not rapidly absorbed through the skin< Can be hazardous to health if concentrated dust is

inhaled< Can drift if applied in high winds< Are used to control insects or fungi on fruit, garden, and

lawn plants

Gas Formulations Fumigants can be available in a gas, liquid, or solid form.Carbon dioxide and ethylene oxide are compressed gasesused as fumigants. Liquid fumigants become gases whenapplied. Solid fumigants are sold in dust, pellet, or tabletform. The gas is released on contact with the moisture in theair.

SpecialFormulations

Special formulations are designed to meet certain needs. These include:

Soluble packages are pre-weighed amounts of a wettable orsoluble powder in a package that dissolves on contact withwater. Risk for the handler is reduced, since there is no needto measure or handle the pesticide.


As a vendor you should advise customers to onlyuse registered tank mixes.

Impregnated wax products are shaped as bars or pucks. The wax is impregnated with a herbicide. They are draggedor rubbed over the lawn to control broadleaf weeds. As avendor, you should inform your customers that theseproducts:< Require no mixing< Cannot drift< Offer the ability to spot treat individual weed problem

areas

Compatibility Compatible pesticides are essentially two or more productsthat can be mixed together to control a wider range of pestswith a single application. Not all pesticides are compatible.

Pesticides that are not compatible can cause:< loss of effectiveness; < injury to treated plants or animals; and < lumping or settling out of solids, thereby creating a

mixture that can no longer be applied by the applicationequipment.

Some product labels will state that the pesticide is"compatible" with other pesticides. While pesticides shouldcertainly never be mixed unless their compatibility is statedon the label, such statements are only indicators of physicalcompatibility. They do not guarantee that mixing will notaffect the safety, efficacy, or residues of the pesticides thatare mixed.

Tank Mixes Some combinations of pesticides are registered as "tankmixes", with clear mixing instructions on the labels andsupporting data on physical compatibility, efficacy, safety,and residues.


Sources ofInformation

There are a number of sources of information on the safe andeffective use of pesticides. The label attached to eachcontainer is a legal document. It is also the best source ofinformation for that pesticide. Pesticide vendors andapplicators must be familiar with the label information. Thisinformation is the result of studies carried out by themanufacturer, and is reviewed and approved by HealthCanada during the registration process. Failure to followdirections on the label is a violation of Canada’s Pest ControlProducts Act (PCP Act) and regulations and the PrinceEdward Island Pesticides Control Act and regulations. Additional information on pesticides can be obtained from:

< Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) < Pesticide manufacturers< Federal and provincial publications< Federal and provincial pesticide legislation< Trade associations< Other qualified experts

Information on proper handling, storage, and use ofpesticides can be accessed at the following internet sites:Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) e-mailquestions to:[email protected] Website:http://www.pmra-arla.gc.ca/english/index-e.html

Croplife Canada Website:www.croplife.ca

Provincial Website:www.gov.pe.ca/go/pesticides

Pesticide Legislation 2-1

Pesticide Legislation 2Introduction Pesticides are regulated by federal, provincial, and in some

cases municipal governments to protect the vendor, theapplicator, the public, and the environment. Federal lawsdeal mainly with the manufacture and registration of productsfor use in Canada. They also address the labelling ofpesticides, and the import and export of products. Provinciallegislation complements the federal legislation and regulatesthe life of a product once it enters a province. Provincialregulations address the transportation, storage, display, sale,handling, application, and disposal of pesticides. Provinciallegislation is generally more restrictive in these areas than isthe federal legislation. This type of management issometimes referred to as “cradle to grave management.” Federal and provincial legislation are based on currentscientific knowledge.

LearningObjectives

Completing this chapter will help you to:< Interpret and apply federal pesticide law< Interpret and apply provincial pesticide law< Interpret and apply municipal pesticide law< Access current laws

FederalLegislation

Pest ControlProducts Act

The major federal legislation regulating pesticides in Canadais the Pest Control Products (PCP) Act and Regulations. Responsibility for administering this legislation rests with thePest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) of HealthCanada. The regulations address human health, protection of


the environment, and pesticide performance or effectivenessin controlling a pest.

The main purposes of the PCP Act and Regulations are toensure that:< no person manufactures, stores, displays, distributes, or

uses any pest control product under unsafe conditions;< no person packages, labels, or advertises any pest

control product in a manner that is false, misleading, ordeceptive, or is likely to create a false impression aboutthe pest control product; and

< no person sells in, or imports into, Canada a pest controlproduct unless it is registered.

ProductRegistration

Before a pesticide can be sold for use in Canada it must firstbe registered under the PCP Act. Prior to this registration,staff within the Pest Management Regulatory Agency areresponsible for evaluating scientific data submitted by themanufacturer. This data includes:< efficacy (effectiveness) under Canadian conditions;< toxicology;< food and feed residues;< environmental chemistry and fate;< environmental toxicology; and< chemistry of the product.

Only after an extensive review based on the safety, efficacy,and merits of the product is a registration decision made. Once a pesticide is registered it is given a unique, product-specific Pest Control Product “registration” number (PCPnumber). This registration provides the manufacturer withthe right to sell or manufacture the product in Canada.


The PMRA has established a Pest ManagementInformation Service to provide information on theregistration process, product labels, safety precautions,and alternative pest management practices. This servicecan be accessed by calling1-800-267-6315, bycontacting the PMRA website athttp://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pmra-arla/english/index-e.html, or by e-mail at [email protected]

ClassDesignation ofPesticides inCanada

Under the PCP Act, registered pesticides are assigned to adomestic, commercial, restricted, or manufacturing class,depending on their toxicity and intended use. The classdesignation of a pesticide appears on the label (see Chapter 3:Labelling).

Domestic Class Domestic class pesticides are designed for use in or aroundthe home. When label directions are followed, they can besafely handled with minimal personal protective equipmentand without applicator training. Domestic pesticides areavailable in small packages, have a low toxicity, and poseminimal risk to users or to the environment. They are oftensold in a ready-to-use form and are intended to be used as asingle application or in a single season. Domestic pesticideshave an acute oral LD50 of more than 500 mg/kg and an acutedermal LD50 of more than 1000 mg/kg.

CommercialClass

Commercial class pesticides are designed for use inagriculture, forestry, industry, and other commercialoperations.

The terms Agricultural or Industrial, which oftenappear on a label, are substitutes for the termCommercial.


While the active ingredients can be the same as those presentin a domestic class pesticide, due to the size of the containeror concentration of active ingredient, a commercial classpesticide typically poses a greater risk to the environment. Some products are classified as commercial because they aretoo toxic, persistent, or hazardous to be used by the generalpopulation. Applicators of commercial class pesticidesrequire training on safe handling and application procedures,and on the use of personal protective equipment. Commercial class pesticides have an acute oral LD50 of morethan 50 mg/kg and an acute dermal LD50 of more than100mg/kg.

Pesticide concentration differs according to Classification


Restricted Class Restricted class pesticides are essentially commercial typepesticides that have additional restrictions on their label. Restrictions can be due to toxicity, application methods, orbecause they pose a particular concern to the environment.Limitations can involve product display, storage, distribution,or application, or stipulate the necessary qualifications of endusers. Restricted class pesticides have an acute oral LD50 ofless than 50 mg/kg and an acute dermal LD50 of less than100mg/kg.

ManufacturingClass

Manufacturing class pesticides are used in manufacturing,formulating, or repackaging and are not for use by generalapplicators.

Other FederalLegislation

Other federal legislation regulates different aspects ofpesticide use. This includes pesticide residues in foods,damage to migratory birds, fertilizer additives, and damage tofish or fish habitat.

Food and DrugsAct

The Food and Drugs Act, administrated by Health Canada, isdesigned to protect the health of consumers by prohibitingthe sale of food that contains any harmful or poisonoussubstance. Where food residues are concerned, safety toconsumers must be proven by Health Canada prior to productregistration under the PCP Act. Excessive pesticide residueson food can be prevented by following label rates, days-to-harvest intervals, number of applications per crop/season, andother label recommendations.

Migratory BirdsConvention Act

The Migratory Birds Convention Act, administered byEnvironment Canada, protects waterfowl and other migratorybirds. It is an offence under this legislation to releasepesticides or other substances that are harmful to migratorybirds into any waters or any area frequented by migratorybirds. If migratory birds are harmed, an applicator can beprosecuted under this legislation. If other animals areharmed, an applicator can be prosecuted under similarprovincial legislation.


Fertilizers Act The Fertilizers Act, administered by Agriculture andAgri-Food Canada, regulates all fertilizers used in Canada,including those that contain pesticides. Before afertilizer/pesticide mixture can be sold or used in Canada itmust be registered under the Fertilizers Act. This legislationregulates the import and sale of fertilizer and supplementproducts by establishing standards, packaging, and labellingrequirements. It also provides the authority to inspect andsample products for legal compliance.

Fisheries Act The Fisheries Act protects fish and fish habitat (spawninggrounds, nursery, rearing, food supply, and migration areas). When using a pesticide in areas where there is a stream,pond, lake, etc., attention must be given to observance of theFisheries Act. This Act considers any substance deleteriousunless specifically exempted through an associatedregulation.

PesticideResiduesCompensationAct

The Pesticide Residues Compensation Act states that aproducer will be paid for damages or losses if the sale of theirproduce is stopped because it contains more pesticide residuethan the Food and Drugs Act allows. The producer mustprove that the pesticide was applied according to the labeldirections in order to be considered for such compensation.

Feeds Act The Feeds Act, administered by Agriculture and Agri-FoodCanada, provides regulations to prevent the contamination offeed. This legislation regulates the import, manufacture, andsale of feed products by prescribing standards, packaging,and labelling requirements as well as providing for theauthority to inspect and sample products for legal compliancewith the Act and its regulations.


Transportation ofDangerousGoods Act

The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act permits thehandling, offering for transport, and transport of potentiallydangerous goods only by people who are properly trained. Use of shipping documents, special labels and markings, andproper vehicle placards, as well as adherence to certain safetyprocedures, are additional requirements. The person whosends the dangerous goods, the person(s) who transportsthem, and the person who receives them all shareresponsibility for complying with this legislation. Thesupplier, manufacturer, and/or distributor can clarifynecessary transportation requirements. As a vendor, youshould inform your customers if the pesticides are considereddangerous goods and if documents, labels, or placards arerequired. Additional information on this Act is provided inChapter 7: Transportation, Storage, and Disposal.

CanadianEnvironmentalProtection Act(CEPA)

The Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA),administered by Environment Canada, is designed to protectthe environment as well as human life and health. The Actcovers many different areas including:< procedures to review and approve chemicals;< mandatory reporting of adverse effects;< export and import controls;< recalls and clean-ups; and< new inspection and enforcement powers.

CEPA could be applied if the situation arising was notregulated under the PCP Act.

WHMIS The Workplace Hazardous Materials InformationSystem, commonly known as WHMIS, is a Canada-widesystem. It is designed to provide employers and workerswith information about the hazardous materials with whichthey work. Presently, pesticides are exempted from WHMISrules on labelling and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)because they are covered under the Pest Control ProductsAct.


Vendors should know that the worker's “Right to Know”component is still a requirement for pesticide facilities.

It is the responsibility of a supervisor to inform employeesabout any possible workplace dangers to their health andsafety. It is an employee’s right to obtain information aboutsubstances they are working with, including MSDSs whereavailable. (See Chapter 3: Labelling, for additionalinformation on MSDSs.)

National BuildingCode of Canada

The National Building Code of Canada (NBC) providesminimum requirements for health, human safety, andstructural sufficiency in new buildings. It establishes specific requirements for facilities that store hazardousmaterials, including pesticides. While not enacted in P.E.I.,the NBC should be consulted before any new construction orthe renovation of an existing pesticide storage facility.

National FireCode of Canada

The National Fire Code of Canada (NFC), 1990, providesminimum fire safety requirements for buildings, structures,and areas where hazardous materials, including pesticides,are used. It also ensures an acceptable level of fire protectionand fire prevention in the ongoing operation of suchbuildings. The Code also requires fire safety plans inanticipation of emergencies.

ProvincialPesticideLegislation

Each province has enabling legislation that governs thetransportation, storage, sale, display, handling, mixing,application, and disposal of a pesticide within its boundaries. Legislation for the regulation of pesticides varies in approachamong the provinces, but in all cases it is in addition to, andcomplimentary to, the federal Pest Control Products Act.


A copy of the legislation regulating pesticides in this provinceis appended.

Prince EdwardIsland

As a vendor, you must be familiar with all associatedprovincial laws in the province. A copy of the legislation thatregulates pesticides in Prince Edward Island is appended.

PesticidesControl Act

Within Prince Edward Island, pesticides are regulated underthe Pesticides Control Act and regulations. This legislation ismanaged by the Department of Environment, Energy, andForestry. Copies of the Act and regulations can be obtainedfrom the Pesticide Regulatory Program by:< phone at (902 368-5000);< email at [email protected]; and< website at www.gov.pe.ca/go/pesticides .

Regulations for theProtection of theEnvironment

As a vendor, you must be familiar with provincial regulationsthat are designed to protect the environment. Regulationsunder the PEI Pesticides Control Act require that: < Equipment used to apply pesticides must not be filled,

washed, or flushed within 25 metres of an open body ofwater.

< Applicators must first obtain a permit if they wish toapply any pesticide to an open body of water. Thisincludes the use of a larvicide to control mosquitoes andother biting flies.

< Wind speeds during the application of a pesticide mustnot exceed 20 km/h or the wind speed specified on thelabel, whichever is lower.

< Pesticide containers must not be discarded within 25metres of an open body of water.

< Pesticide containers must not be burned or buried.


Sale of DomesticPesticides

The PEI Pesticides Control Act regulations separate domesticclass pesticides into two categories: “self select” and“controlled purchase”.

Self Select DomesticPesticide

A self select domestic pesticide is defined as any domesticclass pesticide designated as a self select domestic pesticide inSchedule 8 of the PEI Pesticides Control Act regulations. Forthe most part, these products are marketed in a form requiringno preparation or dilution and in a volume or weight equal toor less than one litre or one kilogram, respectively.

You should refer to the regulations for specific examples ofdomestic pesticides that are categorized as self select. If adomestic pesticide does not meet the criteria for self select,then it is automatically assigned to the controlled purchasecategory.

Controlled PurchaseDomestic Pesticide

A controlled purchase domestic pesticide is defined as any:< Domestic pesticide not designated in Schedule 8 of the

PEI Pesticides Control Act regulations as a self selectdomestic pesticide.

< Fertilizer within the meaning of the Fertilizers Act(Canada) that contains a pesticide. This includes allfertilizer–pesticide combination products.

RegulationsGoverning the Sale ofSelf Select DomesticPesticides

A license is not required to sell self select domestic pesticideswithin PEI. Similarly, sales staff do not require a vendorcertificate. However, self select domestic pesticides must beproperly displayed and stored.


Display and Storage Vendors must ensure that self select domestic pesticides arestored and displayed so that:< They present a minimal hazard to children.< They are not adjacent within 1 metre of commodities

that are foodstuffs, feeds, or any other material intendedfor consumption by humans or animals.

< They are not adjacent within 1 metre of commoditiesthat are household furnishings; or toiletries, clothes,bedding, or similar commodities.

RegulationsGoverning the Sale ofControlledPurchase DomesticPesticides

Anyone wishing to sell controlled purchase domestic pesticideswithin PEI, must first obtain a Domestic Pesticide VendorBusiness License or a Non-domestic Pesticide Vendor BusinessLicense

Domestic PesticideVendor BusinessLicence

A Domestic Pesticide Vendor Business Licence may beissued to a person (or company) who meets the followingrequirements:< They must employ, for every physical store or facility

that plans to sell or supply a controlled purchasedomestic pesticide, at least one person who holds aDomestic Pesticide Vendor Certificate or a Non-domestic Pesticide Vendor Certificate.

< They must ensure that only a person who holds aDomestic Pesticide Vendor Certificate or a Non-domestic Pesticide Vendor Certificate sells, or providespesticide-related information or recommendations on, a controlled purchase domestic pesticide to another person.

< They must provide an estimate of the maximum size ofdisplay and storage areas for controlled purchasedomestic pesticides required for the year the license isrequested.

< They must pay the required fee, as outlined in Schedule4 of the PEI Pesticides Control Act regulations.

Domestic PesticideVendor Certificate

A Domestic Pesticide Vendor Certificate is issued to aperson who has successfully passed a written exam based on


the Domestic Pesticide Vendor Manual. A minimum passingmark of 75% is required. The certificate is valid for a periodof five years from the date of writing the exam. A fee, asoutlined in Schedule 4, is payable for the issue of thiscertificate.

Requirements forDisplay of ControlledPurchase DomesticPesticides

Holders of a Domestic Pesticide Vendor Business Licence,who sell a controlled purchase domestic pesticide, mustensure that these pesticides are displayed such that: < No person other than the licensee or the licensee’s

employees has ready access to the pesticide (i.e.,dispensary system).

< They are not adjacent within 1 metre of commoditiesthat are foodstuffs, feeds, or any other material intendedfor consumption by humans or animals.

< They are not adjacent within 1 metre of commoditiesthat are household furnishings; or toiletries, clothes,bedding or similar commodities.

Requirements forStorage of ControlledPurchase DomesticPesticides

Holders of a Domestic Pesticide Vendor Business Licence,who store a controlled purchase domestic pesticide, must ensure that these pesticides are stored such that all inside oroutside storage areas have: < No floor drain that leads into or drains directly or

indirectly into a storm sewer, sanitary sewer, orwatercourse.

< Adequate respiratory protection and adequate personalprotective clothing nearby and readily available foremergency purposes.

< Controlled access for employees only.< A placard affixed and maintained on the outside of each

door leading into the compartment, room or structure inwhich the pesticide is stored bearing, in clearly visibleblock letters, the words “Warning” and “AuthorizedPersons Only”; and “Chemical Storage” or “PesticideStorage”.

< Sufficient security measures so that the expresspermission of the person responsible is required to enter


the compartment, room, or structure in which thepesticide is stored.

In addition, controlled purchase domestic pesticides cannot bestored or located within 1 metre of commodities that are: < foodstuffs, feeds or any other material intended for

consumption by humans or animals;< household furnishings; and< toiletries, clothes, bedding or similar commodities.

Finally, indoor storage areas must be properly vented to theoutside environment.

Sale of Non-domesticPesticides

Anyone wishing to sell a non-domestic pesticide withinPEImust first obtain a Non-domestic Pesticide VendorBusiness License.

Non-Domestic PesticideVendor BusinessLicence

A Non-domestic Pesticide Vendor Business Licence may beissued to a person (or company) who meets the followingrequirements:< They must employ, for every physical store or facility, at

least one person who holds a Non-domestic PesticideVendor Certificate.

< They must provide proof that the person for which thelicence is intended owns, or has arrangements to use, aPhase III certified storage facility to store non-domesticpesticides.

< They must pay the required fee, as outlined in Schedule4 of the PEI Pesticides Control Act regulations.

A Non-domestic Pesticide Vendor Business Licence expireson the last day of February of the year following the date ofissue of the licence, or when the person for which the licenceis issued no longer holds or employs at least one person whoholds a non-domestic pesticide vendor certificate, whicheveroccurs earlier.


Phase III CertifiedPesticide StorageFacility

A Phase III certified pesticide storage facility refers to a facility that is in compliance with the requirements of theAgrichemical Warehouse Standards Association (AWSA). Specific requirements for meeting these standards can befound in the Warehouse Audit Protocols and User Guide(January 2006). Copies of this guide can be obtained bywriting: AWSA Project Management Office, 296 JarvisStreet, Unit 7, Toronto, ON M5B 2C5.

Non-domestic PesticideVendor Certificate

A Non-domestic Pesticide Vendor Certificate is issued to aperson who has successfully passed a written exam based onthe Commercial Pesticide Vendor Training Manual. Aminimum passing mark of 75% is required. The certificate isvalid for a period of five years from the date of writing theexam. A fee, as outlined in Schedule 4, is payable for theissue of this certificate.

Requirements for Saleand Purchase of a Non-domestic Pesticide

As a vendor, you can only sell or offer to sell a non-domesticpesticide to a purchaser who:< holds a valid pesticide applicator certificate;< holds or is authorized to use a pesticide purchase permit;

< holds a pesticide applicators permit; or< holds a pesticide applicator business licence.

Pesticide PurchasePermit

A pesticide purchase permit is issued by the Minister to aholder of a pesticide application business licence, or to theoperator of an agricultural operation or golf course, thatemploys at least one person who holds an appropriatepesticide applicator certificate.

Record of Sale of aNon-Domestic Pesticide

As a vendor, you are required to prepare a written record ofeach pesticide sale. This record must be prepared within 24hours of the sale and indicate the name, number, and expirydate on the purchaser’s pesticide applicatorcertificate, pesticide purchase permit, or pesticide applicatorbusiness license


Provision of AnnualSales Data

For the sale of a Schedule 1 (restricted) pesticide, in additionto the information required for the sale of any non-domesticpesticide, you are also required to record the number of thepurchaser’s pesticide application permit.

As a vendor, you are required to provide to the Department ofEnvironment, Energy and Forestry sales data for allcontrolled purchase domestic and non-domestic pesticidessold to retail customers during the previous calendar year. This data must be provided not later than January 31st following the year of sale. For each pesticide, vendors arerequired to provide the trade name, PCP Act registrationnumber, and unit measure sold.

Excluded andExempted Pesticides

As a vendor, you should be aware that any pesticide used asindicated in Schedule 2 of the PEI Pesticides Control Actregulations is excluded from all regulatory requirements.

You should also be aware that any domestic pesticide noted inSchedule 7 of the PEI Pesticides Control Act regulations isexempt from the posting of use and notification of userequirements as explained in Regulations 24 and 25.

The purpose of this exemption is to encourage the use ofthese low risk pesticides by both commercial and privateapplicators.

Transportation andDisposal of Domesticand Non-Domestic Pesticides

For information on the transportation and disposal of pesticides see Chapter 7: Transportation, Storage, Display,and Disposal.


MunicipalLegislation

A municipality can have specific by-laws and building codes.These can place restrictions on your storage facility, including:< where it can be located;< how it is constructed; and< how it is operated.

Municipal by-laws can also affect your customers, by limitingthe use of certain pesticides. An example is By-law (P-800),as passed by the Halifax Regional Municipality in 2000. Thislaw attaches conditions to the use of pesticides on outdoortrees, shrubs, flowers, and other ornamental plants and turf,on both residential and municipal properties.

You should be familiar with any municipal pesticide-relatedby-laws and codes within PEI, so you can discuss them withyour customers.

Labelling 3-1

Labelling 3Introduction Any pesticide sold or used in Canada must first be registered

by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) ofHealth Canada. It is then given a Pest Control Product (PCP)Number. Each registered pesticide must also have a labelattached. The label provides information on the contents ofthe container. It also has directions on the legal and safe useof the pesticide. This information is based on studies carriedout by the manufacturer. These studies focus on humanhealth, protection of the environment, and effect against thepest.

Learningobjectives

Completing this chapter will help you to:< Recognize the legal status of a pesticide label< Apply proper actions if a label is damaged or missing< Interpret and apply label information< Interpret and apply information found on a Material

Safety Data Sheet

Labelling 3-2

LegalRequirements

The pesticide label is a legal document. It is defined in thePest Control Products Act as:

“any legend, word, mark, symbol or design applied orattached to, included in, belonging to or accompanyingany control product”

Information on the label identifies the manufacturer and tellshow a pesticide must be used.

As a vendor, you should be aware that it is illegal:

< To use a pesticide in a way that is not stated on thelabel.

< To use a pesticide in an unsafe manner.< To tell a customer that a pesticide can be used for any

purpose that is not on the label.

Vendors must also ensure that all pesticide containers have avalid Canadian label, indicating the Pest Control Product(PCP) Number or registration number. Vendors shouldimmediately notify their supplier if a shipment of pesticidedoes not contain a Canadian label. It is illegal to sell ordistribute any pesticide until it has been properlylabelled.

The label must be kept on the container and in goodcondition. If a label becomes illegible, a vendor shouldcontact the supplier for a replacement and place the new labelon the package. It is illegal to sell a pesticide if the label is damaged or missing.

In addition to the label, manufacturers sometimes provideextra pesticide information (e.g., pamphlets, brochures,advertising). They may also print information on thewrapper, or on stickers or tags that are attached to thecontainer. As a vendor, you should advise your customersthat this information is not a legal substitute for the label.

Labelling 3-3

Components ofa Label

A pesticide label provides basic information on:< Product use< Limitations< Disposal< First aid< Contents< Precautions< Formulation< Toxicology A pesticide label has two main parts. The front is called theprincipal display panel, and the back, the secondary displaypanel.

Principal DisplayPanel

The nine components on the principal label panel (see Figure3.1) are:1. Product name or trade name2. Class designation3. Net contents4. Directions to read the label5. Warning to protect children6. Warning or precautionary symbols7. Guarantee statement8. Registration number (PCP Act number)9. Name and address of the registrant

Labelling 3-4

Figure 3.1 Principal display panel

Labelling 3-5

1. Product or trade nameThe product or trade name is selected by the manufacturer andincludes three things:

< The brand name or trade name that isregistered with Health Canada. ( CONTROL-ALL is the registered trade name of thispesticide.)

< The formulation of the pesticide. Thisinformation will either be printed out or shown asan abbreviation. This product is a liquid—anEmulsifiable Concentrate (E.C.); and

< a description of its use. This product is aherbicide used to control weeds.

2. Class designation This provides information on the class to which a pesticidehas been assigned, and indicates who can use the product.There are four class designations:

< Domestic. These pesticides:• are registered for use in or around the home;• are packaged in small containers;• are designed to have a low risk to the user or

the environment when used properly; • require users to follow safe handling

procedures; and• can be handled safely using a minimum of

personal protective equipment.

< Commercial (may also be called Agriculturalor Industrial).These pesticides:• are registered for use in commercial,

agriculture, forestry, or industry operations;• are not for general use around the home;• have low to medium toxicity, but must be

handled carefully to prevent injuries;• usually require the use of personal protective

equipment; and

Labelling 3-6

• require users to follow safe handlingprocedures.

< Restricted. These pesticides can:• have special, detailed label instructions

regarding their use;• impact non-target organisms or the

environment;• have limits as to where they can be used; and• require a provincial application permit.

< Manufacturing. These pesticides are used to

manufacture or formulate end-use products and are not available to the general public.

3. Net contents This tells how much of the pesticide is in the package and isshown in metric units. This label shows there are 10 litres (10L) in this package.

4. READ THE LABEL BEFORE USING The Pest Control Products Act requires that this warning beon the front panel of all pesticides.

5. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN This warning must be on either the primary or secondarypanel of all pesticides.

6. Precautionary symbols and words The PCP Act Regulations contain symbols and words to showthe hazards of using a pesticide.

PrecautionaryShapes

The shape of each precautionary symbol (see Figure 3.2) hasa particular meaning:< the octagon indicates an extreme hazard and has the

word danger associated with it;

Labelling 3-7

< the diamond indicates a moderate hazard and has theword warning associated with it; and

< the inverted triangle indicates a slight hazard and hasthe word caution associated with it.

Figure 3.2 Precautionary Shapes

PrecautionaryPictograms

Similarly, there are pictograms for each of the precautionarysymbols (see Figure 3.3). The combination of shape, word,and picture indicates the type and severity of the hazardassociated with a given pesticide. < the skull and cross bones, which indicates poison;< the flame, which indicates flammable;< the hand, which indicates corrosive; and< the exploding grenade, which indicates explosive.

Figure 3.3 Precautionary Symbols and Words

Multiple Symbols If a pesticide is dangerous in more than one way, all thehazard symbols and signal words must appear on the label. However, only one warning signal word is required. Thiswarning will be for the most dangerous hazard.

Labelling 3-8

The example below shows that fire isthe most dangerous hazard.

The active ingredient is the part of the pesticide that actually controls the pest.

No Symbols orSignal Words

If a pesticide label does not have hazard symbols and/or signalwords, then the product’s hazards are such that the label doesnot require them. However, basic precautions are stillnecessary and the user or handler should proceed with care.

7. GuaranteeThe guarantee provides the common name of the chemical thatforms the active ingredient in a pesticide.

There can be more than one active ingredient in a pesticide, inwhich case more than one common name will appear on thelabel. The chemical name is the name of the chemicalstructure of the active ingredient. It is occasionally used on thelabel in place of the common name if no common name exists.

Labelling 3-9

The PCP Act number is specific to theformulation in any pesticide containerand can be cross referenced by a doctorto find information on how to best treatexposed individuals.

The guarantee also shows the concentration, or how much ofthe chemical is in the pesticide. The concentration can bemeasured:

< by the weight per unit volume. This label shows that theactive ingredient is the chemical HEXALWIRE. Thereare 500 grams of the chemical in each litre of thispesticide product (500 g/L); or

< as a percentage by weight. Another label could show theconcentration of the chemical as a percentage. Forexample, a guarantee of 40% means that in each 100parts of a pesticide, 40 parts are active ingredient.

<

8. Registration Number (P.C.P. Actnumber)

This number, which shows that the pesticide has beenregistered by PMRA, identifies the product to the governmentand the manufacturer. The PCP number must be shown on theprincipal display panel of every pesticide label. It may appear

Labelling 3-10

In Canada it is illegal to sell or use pesticides that arelabelled with Environmental Protection Act (E.P.A.)numbers.

as REG. NO. 12345 P.C.P. ACT or Registration Number12345 Pest Control Products Act. Any pesticide sold or usedin Canada must have a P.C.P. Act Registration Number.

SecondaryDisplay Panel

9. Name and address The name and address of the company or organization thatregistered the pesticide must be on the label. This company ororganization is called the registrant.

The seven components on the secondary display panel(see Figure 3.4) are:10. Directions for use;11. Precaution statements;12. Disposal;13. First aid instructions;14. Toxicological information;15. Notice to user; and16. Notice to buyer.

For small size containers of domestic class pesticides thefollowing components may appear on the lower half of thesecondary display panel:< name and address of the registrant/agent;< net contents;< PCP Act registration number; and< guarantee.

Labelling 3-11

Figure 3.4 Secondary display panel

Labelling 3-12

It is important that vendors make customersaware if any of the following statementsappear on a specific label.

10. Directions for use, use area, andlimitations

The directions for use include information about:< what pest the pesticide can be used on (weed, insect,

disease, etc.);< what crops or animals it can be used on;< how much to use and how to mix it;< how to apply the pesticide;< rate of application;< proper equipment to be used;< how to protect the crop;< when not to use the pesticide;< when to harvest (pre-harvest interval, days-to-harvest);< re-entry period (the length of time to stay out of the

treated area); and< any other restrictions.

Aerial ApplicationStatement

Pesticides cannot be applied by air unless the label statesspecific instructions for such use. The aerial applicator mustfollow the specific use instructions for mixing and application(buffers, rates, crop, etc.). All other labels must have thestatement “Do not apply by air”.

NOTE: It is illegal within PEI to apply any pesticide usingan aircraft.

Crop RotationStatement

Some pesticide labels have crop rotation statements. If thereis a carry-over situation with a product, the label will statethat the user should conduct a bioassay before planting anycrops other than those named on the label.

Labelling 3-13

Forest andWoodlandsManagementStatements

Forest and Woodlands Management areas are categorized asfollows:

Forest or forest management - Restricted:< Wooded areas or sites to be planted to forest of more

than 500 hectares;

Woodlands management - Restricted:< 500 hectares or less of wooded areas or sites to be

planted to forest; and

Woodlands management - Commercial:< 500 hectares or less of a wooded area, i.e., tree

nurseries, rights-of-way, and seed orchards.

Total Number ofApplications

Some pesticide labels will state the total number ofapplications of the product that can be made during a useseason. These statements may be necessary to preventunacceptable food residues, damage to vegetation, soilresidues, or the development of pest resistance. Labelstatements will vary with the pesticide.

Buffer Zones Buffer zones are areas left untreated so as to protect anadjacent area. The need for a buffer zone during applicationis reviewed by the PMRA on a pesticide-by-pesticide basis.Decisions are based on the organism that needs to beprotected, the environmental concentration that will affect theorganism, and the methods of application used. Labelstatements will vary with the pesticide.

Each pesticide is different, and each label is different. Readthe label carefully to obtain and understand all relatedinformation.

Labelling 3-14

"Overspray or drift into important wildlife habitatssuch as shelterbelts, wetlands, woodlots, vegetatedditches, ponds, or lake banks, and other cover on theedges of fields should be avoided. A 10 m bufferzone should be observed adjacent to aquatic habitats,such as streams, ponds, rivers and lakes, and to areasthat drain into these habitats."

Example of a Buffer Statement

11. Precautionary statementsThis section identifies hazards that can result from using apesticide. It tells how to use a pesticide safely and how toprotect the applicator and others from danger when mixing,applying, storing, and disposing of the pesticide Precautionary statements can relate directly to human healthor to environmental concerns. As a vendor, you should befamiliar with these statements.

12. DisposalThis section explains how to safely dispose of a pesticidecontainer once the product has been used. (See Chapter 7:Transportation, Storage, and Disposal, for details ofprovincially approved methods for disposal.)

13. First aid This section tells what to do if someone is poisoned orinjured by a pesticide. The customer should always read thissection carefully before using any pesticide.

Labelling 3-15

As a vendor, you should read the label before selling apesticide to make sure that it is registered for theintended use of the customer. All uses must be statedon the label. If a use is not listed on the label, itconstitutes an improper application and an illegal useof that pesticide. Occasionally, a new use will notimmediately appear on the label. Contact the PestManagement Information Service (1-800-267-6315) forclarification.

14. Toxicological informationThis section gives information on the signs and symptoms ofpoisoning. It also tells a doctor what antidote to use, and anyingredients that can influence the treatment. It is important togive this information to medical authorities in case of anaccident. Additional, pesticide-specific information can beobtained by cross referencing the P.C.P. Act RegistrationNumber.

15. Notice to user This section tells the person using the pesticide to follow thedirections on the label. It is against the law to use apesticide in an unsafe way.

16. Notice to buyer This section is not on all pesticide labels, but can be presentin the form of a Seller’s Guarantee, which states that theseller’s guarantee is limited to the instructions on the label,and that the buyer accepts all risks associated with the use ofthe pesticide.

Reading the Label

As a vendor, you should be familiar with the labelinformation regarding the registered uses of those pesticidesthat you offer for sale. You should also advise customers toREAD THE LABEL BEFORE USING ANYPESTICIDE, and that they are required by law to follow theinstructions on the label.

Labelling 3-16

As a vendor, you should examine the label to see if thereare any special storage instructions that you, or yourcustomers, must consider. For example, some pesticidesmust not be subjected to below-freezing temperatures.

As a vendor, you should read the label for instructions onthe disposal of unwanted pesticides or pesticidecontainers. Proper disposal will prevent health risks andenvironmental damage. You should also ensure that yourcustomers are aware of the container recycle servicesoffered.

Remember, the pesticide label is the most readilyavailable source of emergency response and first aidinformation in the event of a pesticide spill orpoisoning.

As a vendor, you should advise customers to check forany special application or safety equipment that may berequired (e.g., some pesticides specify the requirement forneoprene safety gloves), and to confirm that the productcan be used safely under certain application conditions.

Pesticide labels are legal documents. Therefore, as a vendor, you must make sure that all employees who deal withpesticides take the time to read and fully understand labelinformation. Understanding and interpreting all areas of labelinformation will help you to assist your customers in makingeffective and environmentally sound decisions regarding pesticides. It is, therefore, very important that all sales staff befamiliar with the information contained on the labels of thepesticides offered for sale through a vendor facility. Staffshould take every opportunity to reinforce the need forcustomers to read the pesticide label before they transport,store, handle, or apply a pesticide.

Labelling 3-17

Material SafetyData Sheets

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) provide informationabout health hazards, personal safety, and environmentalprotection that may not be on the label. Material Safety DataSheets are organized into nine sections. The order in whichthe sections appear can vary from manufacturer tomanufacturer.

1. Product identification section gives the product name,chemical name, and primary use of the product. It alsogives the name, address, and emergency telephonenumbers of the manufacturer and supplier.

2. Hazardous ingredients section explains what the activeingredient is, and can tell what other ingredients areincluded. It gives the chemical registration numbers andtransportation classification for the product.

3. Physical data section includes information onappearance, odour, specific gravity, pH, boiling point,etc.

4. Occupational procedures/ preventive measures sectionexplains what personal protective equipment must beused, i.e., eye protection, skin protection, and respiratoryprotection. It also gives safe handling and storageprocedures.

5. First aid and emergency procedures section explainswhat to do if someone is exposed to the product. Followthese instructions in an emergency, but always call formedical help.

6. Fire and explosion hazard section gives the temperatureof the flash point and the ignition point for the product. The section also gives specific procedures to use whenfighting a fire.

Vendors should give the local Fire Department theMSDSs for all of the products in the storage facility.

Labelling 3-18

Vendors should make sure their MSDSs wereprepared within the last 3 years.

7. Toxicity/health effects section tells how human healthmay be affected by exposure to the product. It also givesresults of the manufacturer’s research on the product. This toxicological data can help a doctor deal with anemergency.

8. Reactivity data section gives any special chemicalproperties of the product. It will also provide therecommended temperature for storage of the pesticide.

9. Preparation date and group section tells who preparedthe MSDS and when it was prepared. MSDSs must beupdated at least every 3 years. As a vendor, you shouldmake sure you use only the most recent MSDS.

Availability Material Safety Data Sheets may be obtained from:< pesticide manufacturers;< the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

at 1-800-263-8466 or www.ccohs.ca ;

< pesticide vendors; < North American Compendiums Ltd., P.O. Box 39,

Hensall, Ontario N0M 1X0 ( 1-800-350-0627 or fax 519-263-2936); and

< the Agrichemical Warehouse Standards Association(AWSA) (www.awsacanada.com) or a member ofCropLife Canada (www.cropro.org).

Labelling 3-19

Summary The label on a pesticide is a legal document. It gives importantinformation about the pesticide in the container. Each piece ofinformation is there for a special reason and must be followedexactly. As a vendor, you need to be familiar with thisinformation. You should also make sure that customers areaware of the importance of reading and understanding labelinformation.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) are not legal documents.However, they do provide an additional source of informationon a pesticide. MSDSs detail hazards, precautions, andemergency response information. It is important thatemergency responders have ready access to the MSDS foreach pesticide carried. MSDSs should also be made availablefor customers.

Pesticides and Human Health 4-1

Pesticides and Human Health 4Introduction Pesticides are designed to kill or otherwise control living

organisms and, as such, must be treated with respect. As avendor, you can play an important role in ensuring thatpesticides are handled, as well as applied, safely andresponsibly. This begins with appropriate staff training andincludes becoming familiar with the information on pesticidelabels. This knowledge will help staff to assist customers inchoosing the least toxic pesticide that is effective against aparticular pest. It will also help them to explain safetyprocedures that should be followed to reduce exposure.

Breathing or swallowing pesticides, or spilling or splashingpesticides into the eyes or onto the skin, can result in injury. The nature and extent of injury depend on the toxicity of thechemical as well as the dose (amount of material) that entersthe body's tissues.

Some pesticides are very toxic and cause poisoning at lowdoses (a few drops of these are capable of causing severeillness or death). Other pesticides are so mildly toxic that alarge quantity would have to be consumed before signs ofillness would be detected. Because potential hazards exist,however, anyone working with pesticides should avoidexposure to their skin, lungs, digestive tract, or eyes. Allpesticides must be treated with respect. It is difficult toaccurately predict what effects can result from long-term,repeated exposure to even the least hazardous of pesticides.


Pesticide exposure for vendor staff is most likely tooccur as a result of contact with concentratedproduct from a leaking container or from a spill.

LearningObjectives

Completing this chapter will help you to:< Understand why pesticides must be handled carefully< Identify the routes and causes of pesticide exposure< Understand acute and chronic toxicity< Recognize symptoms of acute and chronic pesticide

poisoning< Calculate and assess risk (exposure X toxicity)< Understand the importance of testing for cholinesterase

inhibition.

Exposure toPesticides

Staff

It is important that you remember to wear proper personalprotective equipment any time you handle a pesticide. Thisshould include off-loading of pesticide deliveries, movementinto storage, placement on display, and loading for thecustomer.

Usually the most harmful levels of pesticide exposure resultfrom accidents, some of which are caused by carelessness. Many of these accidents result in injury or poisoning. Spills,fires, or explosions in pesticide storage facilities can seriouslyendanger employees, emergency workers, and people livingor working nearby. Persons involved in transportingpesticides risk possible injury if pesticide containers ruptureand spill their contents, or are involved in a fire. Pesticidespills during transport can also pose hazards to the public. Personal protective equipment and prompt emergencyprocedures can greatly reduce the chances of serious injurywhen a person is involved in an accident.


Amount ofExposure

The amount of pesticide a vendor can be exposed to dependson:< The vendor’s attitude. As a vendor, you must practice

good hygiene and good work procedures.< The protective equipment used. As a vendor, you can

reduce exposure by using suitable, clean, and properlymaintained PPE.

< The organization of the storage facility and displayarea. As a vendor, you can create a safer work place byhaving the storage and display areas well organized.

< The safety practices followed. As a vendor, you shouldfollow proper safety practices to reduce the potential forexposure (e.g., promptly clean up all spills).

Customers As a vendor, always advise your customers to read and followlabel recommendations regarding the proper protectiveequipment to wear when mixing and loading a pesticide, andto adhere to any stated reentry times. People can also beexposed to small doses of a pesticide if they eat contaminatedfood; touch recently treated pets, or foliage; or contactcontaminated application equipment or clothing.


The most likely way for a customer to encounter pesticides would be to comeinto contact with concentrated product during mixing or loading, or withdiluted product when entering or working in a treated area too soon afterapplication.

Routes ofExposure

Exposure can occur through inhalation, ingestion, dermalabsorption, or ocular absorption.

Inhalation Inhalation refers to the absorption of airborne particles of asubstance. Vapours or gases can be inhaled and then enter thebody through the lungs. Once a pesticide reaches the lungs, itis absorbed almost completely and poisoning can result. Inhalation exposure increases within enclosed spaces.

Prevention and protection The chance of inhaling a pesticide can be reduced by:< wearing a properly fitted, pesticide-grade respirator when

necessary (e.g., handling certain products or cleaning upspills); and

< not smoking when off-loading pesticides or whenworking in a pesticide storage area.

Ingestion Ingestion or oral exposure refers to the intake of a substanceby mouth. It can result from accidental ingestion, suicideattempts, or contamination of food. The most commonoccurrence of an oral intake is when a pesticide is moved fromits original container, stored in food or beverage containers,and then accidentally swallowed. Because the stomach andthe intestines absorb chemicals quickly, such poisonings canbe very serious. Some pesticides can also severely burn themouth, throat, and stomach. For these pesticides the label willindicate “Do Not Induce Vomiting.”


Prevention and protectionThe chance of being exposed to a pesticide through ingestioncan be reduced if you:< store a pesticide only in its original container, and away

from children or unauthorized persons;< never store a pesticide in food or drink containers;< wash your hands and face after handling a pesticide

container and before eating, drinking, or smoking; and< never store food, drink, or tobacco products in areas

where pesticides are stored or handled.

Dermal Absorption

Dermal absorption refers to the intake of a substance throughthe skin. It can result from contact with a concentratedpesticide from direct exposure, handling a damaged container,or wearing contaminated clothing. Absorption is affected byskin condition, location of the exposure, and the pesticide. Thebody will take in a pesticide more easily through a cut, scrape,or abrasion, or if a product stays on the skin for a long periodof time.

Skin on different areas of the body also absorbs a pesticide atdifferent rates. The scrotal area, armpits, small of the back,head, or any area where moisture/perspiration occurs tend tobe most absorptive.

Absorption rates for the insecticide parathion

ear canal 47%

scalp 32%,

palms of the hand, 12%

forearm 8.6%,

eyes and scrotal area 100%.


Generally, dermal exposure, especially to the hands and forearms, poses thegreatest threat to both a pesticide vendor and an applicator.

The actual pesticide formulation can also affect the amount ofexposure and penetration. < Volatile formulations can pose greater respiratory

danger;< Solvents can increase the rate of absorption;< Emulsifiers can allow the pesticide to pass through the

skin more quickly;< Stickers can cause the pesticide to stick more easily to

the skin, clothing, or personal protective equipment; and< Spreaders and wetting agents can cause the pesticide to

quickly spread out and contaminate larger areas of skin,clothing, and personal protective equipment.

Figure 4.1 Absorption rates for the insecticide parathion

Prevention and protection


The risk from exposure to a pesticide through the skin can bereduced by:< always wearing appropriate personal protective

equipment, including chemical-resistant gloves, whenhandling pesticides and empty containers and whencleaning up a spilled pesticide;

< immediately washing the hands and face before eating,drinking, using the toilet, or smoking after havinghandled a pesticide or pesticide container;

< being careful not to contact contaminated clothing;< not wiping the face or eyes with contaminated gloves or

clothing;< immediately washing with an abundance of water any

area where a pesticide has spilled on the body, andremoving all contaminated clothing; and

< not storing personal protective equipment, clean clothing,or personal items in areas where a pesticide is stored orhandled.

OcularAbsorption

Ocular absorption refers to the intake of a substance throughthe eyes. Although the eyes form only a small part of totalbody skin, their many blood vessels easily absorb a pesticide. Some pesticides can irritate the eyes and some can causetemporary or permanent blindness. Exposure can result fromsplashes or spills, drift, or rubbing the eyes. Special attentionshould be given to eye protection.

Prevention and protectionThe need for eye protection is particularly important whenhandling a concentrated pesticide. Ocular exposure can bereduced by wearing eye protection (e.g., safety goggles or asplash shield). Also, washing the hands thoroughly afterhandling a pesticide will reduce the risk from direct exposurethrough rubbing the eyes.


Toxicology People exposed to some types of pesticides can suffershort-term or long-term health problems. Poisoning symptomsor injury sometimes result from a single exposure to a largequantity of pesticide. In other cases, symptoms do not occuruntil a person has been exposed repeatedly to small doses of apesticide over a period of time.

Some people can show no reaction to a dose that causessevere illness in others. A person's age and body size ofteninfluences their response to a given dose—thus infants andyoung children are normally affected by smaller doses of apesticide than are adults. Also, adult females are often affectedby lower doses than are adult males.

Toxicity

Acute toxicity

Toxicity is the harm a particular pesticide can cause to anorganism. Toxic effects can vary with sex, health, age, weight,route of exposure, or exposure to other pesticides.

Acute toxicity is the response that occurs within a few hoursto a few days after exposure. Acute toxic effects can resultfrom a single dose, a single exposure, or from multiple dosesreceived within 24 hours. Acute toxic effects are oftenreversible.

Measuring AcuteToxicity

The acute toxicity of a pesticide is indicated on the productlabel using precautionary symbols, words, and statements. Primarily, toxicity is measured by the LD50 or LC50.

An LD50 only estimates the toxicity of a pesticide to people.

It is quite common for individuals to vary in theirsensitivity to the level of pesticide exposure.


LC50 stands for lethal concentration 50, which is theconcentration (expressed in parts per million) of apesticide in the air or water sufficient to kill half of thetest animals exposed to the pesticide. The smaller thenumber, the more toxic the pesticide.

LD50 stands for lethal dose 50, which is the amount of asubstance (mg/kg) that will kill 50% of test animalsexposed to the pesticide. The smaller the number, themore toxic the pesticide.

The smaller the LD50 and the LC50number, the more toxic the pesticide.

An LD50 can be determined for oral or dermal exposure routes.

Symptoms of acute pesticide poisoningSome poisoning symptoms can be vague and are oftenconfused with common ailments (flu, excess heat, hangover,food poisoning, etc.); other symptoms are quite severe anddebilitating. Acute pesticide poisoning symptoms can appearwithin a few minutes of exposure or not for many (up to 96)hours after exposure.

Mild symptoms include headache; fatigue; loss of appetite;dizziness; weakness; nervousness; nausea; perspiration;diarrhea; loss of weight; thirst; moodiness; and irritation of theskin, eyes, nose, or throat.

Moderate symptoms include nausea, trembling, loss ofmuscular co-ordination, excessive saliva, blurred vision,


As a vendor, you should be familiar with thetoxicological information for all pesticides that youhandle or sell. Toxicological information can berequired by medical staff should a poisoning occur.

If anyone on the site is acting or feeling unusual or exhibiting poisoningsymptoms, immediately consult a doctor or call the local Poison Control Centre.

constricted throat or chest, laboured breathing, flushed oryellow skin, abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, mentalconfusion, perspiration, rapid pulse, and cough.

Severe symptoms include vomiting, loss of reflexes, difficultywith breathing or an increased breathing rate, muscletwitching, tiny pupils, convulsions, unconsciousness, thirst,and fever.

As a vendor, you should be able to recognize poisoningsymptoms based on the type of pesticide being handled. Allpesticides do not have the same poisoning symptoms. Thesymptoms are shown on most pesticide labels or MSDSs. Their presence should trigger a warning to immediatelyeliminate exposure. Then, quickly take preventative action orapply first aid procedures.

Chronic Toxicity Chronic toxicity refers to the adverse response that occurs andpersists over time after an exposure(s).Chronic effects areoften irreversible, and can result from a single exposure orfrom repeated exposures. Symptoms resulting from chronic orlong-term exposures may not develop for many days, months,or even years.


Chronic effects of pesticide exposure can include skinirritation, reduced body weight, organ damage, tumors, nervedamage, or birth defects. Chronic effects can occur in threesituations:< as a complication of acute exposure;< as a slowly progressive condition; and< as the development of undesirable effects, years after

exposure.

Risk Risk is the chance that someone or something will be harmedby a pesticide.

The greater the toxicity, the greater the risk. Both the typeof active ingredient and the concentration of active ingredientaffect the toxicity of a pesticide. Some active ingredients aremore toxic than others.

Higher concentrations of the same active ingredientincrease toxicity. Those responsible for handling and/ormixing a pesticide are at a high risk because they are dealingwith a product in a concentrated form.

The higher the exposure, the greater the risk. Highexposure, even to a pesticide having a low toxicity, can createrisk. An unprotected vendor or applicator, who worksthroughout the entire spray season with a pesticide having alow toxicity, is still at some risk.

Eliminating or minimizing exposure to a very toxic pesticideminimizes risk. As a vendor, you should advise yourcustomers that risk can be minimized by choosing a less toxicpesticide and/or by reducing exposure.

Cholinesterase Exposure to organophosphorous (OP) and carbamateinsecticides can affect the central nervous system, therebycausing a lowering of cholinesterase levels.

RISK = TOXICITY × EXPOSURE


To transmit a message throughout the nervous system, asignal must pass from one nerve cell to the next across gapscalled synapses. When the message reaches each synapse achemical, called acetylcholine, is released to carry themessage to the next nerve cell ( See Figure 4.2).

Figure 4.2 Normal and Enzyme Inhibited Nerve Function


Once the message arrives, cholinesterase breaks down theacetylcholine. This clears the synapse and leaves it ready toreceive the next message. If organophosphorus (OP) andcarbamate insecticides are present in the body, they bind withthe cholinesterase. Therefore, the cholinesterase is notavailable. When there is insufficient cholinesterase availableto break down the acetylcholine, messages continue to be sentto the nerve cells over and over again and the entire nervoussystem can be affected. This may cause many symptoms,including trembling, twitching, convulsions (fits), breathingand heart difficulties, and even death.

Common Name Trade Name ChemicalGroup

acephate Orthene OP

azinphosmethyl Guthion OP

chlorpyriphos Dursban&Lorsban OP

dimethoate Lagon & Cygon OP

pirimicrb Pirimor carbamate

carbaryl Sevin carbamate

carbofuran Furadan carbamate

CholinesteraseTesting

Cholinesterase blood testing is a common method used todetermine whether or not an individual is suffering fromexposure to these classes of pesticides. If a person handles orapplies organophosphorus or carbamate insecticides on aregular basis throughout the season, they are advised to have acholinesterase blood test. Any doctor can arrange these tests.

Everyone has a different base-line level of cholinesterase soit is necessary to have the blood tested before handling,using, or otherwise being exposed to these products. Theinitial test will establish a person’s normal, or base level,blood cholinesterase.


Follow-up testing will indicate whether there has beenexposure and thus allow time for preventative action to betaken. These blood tests also help a doctor to diagnosepesticide poisoning, and serve as a warning that more safetyprecautions are needed.

A decrease in cholinesterase indicates that an individualhas been exposed to organophosphorus or carbamateinsecticides as a result of failing to wear or maintain theproper personal protective equipment, or failing to washthoroughly after handling these products.

Early detection of exposure is important. If the cholinesteraselevel after exposure is less than half of the base-line or normallevel, then a person may be showing signs of pesticidepoisoning. Such individuals must be removed from anyfurther exposure to organophosphorus and carbamateinsecticides until their respective cholinesterase blood levelsreturn to normal.

Safety 5-1

Safety 5Introduction As noted earlier, pesticides can harm and even kill people or

pets. They can also damage a wide variety of beneficialorganisms as well as the environment. As a vendor, youmust practice safety whenever you handle a pesticide. Safetyis critical for all activities involving pesticides, includingselection and purchase, transportation, storage, mixing andloading, application, equipment cleanup and maintenance,and disposal.

LearningObjectives

Completing this chapter will help you to:< Apply information related to health and safety in the

workplace< Identify and select proper personal protective equipment< Use dermal and respiratory protective equipment< Properly clean, maintain, and store personal protective

equipment

Responsibilityand Attitude

Anyone who could come into contact with a pesticide shouldbe familiar with safety practices. As a vendor, you shouldwork to prevent harm to yourself, other staff, customers, andthe environment. For example, it is your responsibility tocontrol access to pesticide display and storage areas. This canbe done by restricting entrance, locking doors, and postingwarning signs. This is not only a legal requirement, but sets agood example for how customers should themselves store apesticide. Persons responsible for laundering contaminatedclothing must also be aware of proper handling procedures.

Anyone handling a pesticide must regularly review safetyprocedures because:

Safety 5-2

< familiarity with a pesticide or procedure can causevendors or applicators to become careless orcomplacent;

< safety procedures or pesticide information can havechanged since information was last reviewed; and

< repetition encourages the automatic adoption of safetyprocedures.

GeneralPrecautions

Common safety practices for all types of pesticideuse/handling include:< Never eat, drink, or smoke when handling a pesticide

(e.g., transporting, mixing, loading, applying, disposing,etc.,)

< Do not carry food or smoking items when handling apesticide

< Always wash before eating, drinking, smoking, or usingthe toilet

< Shower thoroughly, washing body, hair, and under thefingernails at the end of each day after handling apesticide

< Always carefully read and follow label information anddirections

< Do not wear contact lenses when handling a pesticide< Immediately remove contaminated clothing and wash

any spilled pesticide off the affected area < Wear clean, proper fitting protective clothing

Training Employers, supervisors, and employees must work togetherto reduce injuries on the job. Each has their role to play inmaking the workplace safe. Employers have the principalrole in dealing with health and safety issues. They meet thisresponsibility when they:< Establish and maintain safe working conditions< Train staff to work safely (e.g., while stacking and

transporting pesticide, cleaning up a spill, etc.)< Ensure that the proper personal protective equipment is

available, and that employees correctly wear andmaintain it

Safety 5-3

If a pesticide label has a "DANGER - poison"symbol, always wear extra protection.

< Provide information and training to employees aboutthe pesticides they handle

< Have copies of MSDSs available and train staff on theiruse

Protection Although personal protective equipment (PPE) is sometimescumbersome and uncomfortable to wear, it is vital thatindividuals do everything possible to maximize protectionfrom exposure to a pesticide.

Guidelines on protection usually appear on the label underthe heading "PRECAUTIONS." Some label precautions canbe quite specific, such as the following:< "Wear goggles or a face shield, rubber gloves, long

trousers, long-sleeved shirt, and boots high enough tocover the ankles."

< "Wear full protective clothing, goggles, and rubber(natural or synthetic) gloves when handling thismaterial. If exposure by inhalation of dust or spray mistis likely to be encountered, wear an appropriaterespirator mask."

< "Wear clean neoprene gloves and clean waterproofprotective clothing. Wear an appropriate respirator."

While some labels give complete instructions on PPE, othersdo not tell exactly what one should wear; they simply implythat some protection is needed.

Statements like the following mean that PPE should be used. < keep from breathing dust or fumes;< avoid skin contact; or< keep out of eyes.

Often, more personal protective equipment can be neededthan is mentioned on a pesticide label.

Safety 5-4

Individuals should wear at least the following when handling mostpesticides

< coveralls< unlined, chemical-resistant boots< unlined, chemical-resistant gloves

In addition to reading the safety precautions on the label,always assess the precaution symbol. A DANGER,WARNING, or CAUTION symbol will indicate the toxicityof the pesticide (see Chapter 3:Labelling, for more detail.)

Individuals can encounter some situations that require extraprecautions, including:< eye or face protection (mixing);< waterproof hat (application);< respirator (mixing and application);< waterproof apron (mixing); or< waterproof pants and jacket (mixing or application).

PersonalProtectiveEquipment

The protection used for a particular job should be based on thepesticide label precautions, the pesticide toxicity, and thepossibility of being exposed to a pesticide. You should alwaysread the label on a pesticide container and follow all directionsconcerning personal protective equipment.

The PPE used must be able to handle the rigours of the workand the length of exposure. It is important to have equipmentthat fits correctly and comfortably.

Additional information on PPE for use with a specific pesticidecan be found on its Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), orobtained from the manufacturer or wholesale companyrepresentatives. (See Chapter 3, Labelling, for sources ofMSDSs.) General information on personal protectiveequipment can be obtained from:< pesticide pamphlets;

Safety 5-5

Gloves should be unlined and made of rubber, neoprene,polyvinyl chloride, or polyethylene.

< safety equipment suppliers;< applicator handbooks; and< pesticide application trainers.

Personal protective equipment used for handling apesticide should not be used for any other purpose.

The personal protective equipment needed when handling apesticide depends upon the risk involved during its use.

Dermal The skin is the major route through which a pesticide can enterthe body, with the hands being the most highly exposed part ofthe body.

Gloves You should never touch a pesticide or a pesticide containerwith your bare hands. Always wear unlined, chemical-resistant gloves when handling a pesticide, rinsing or disposingof pesticide containers, or washing safety equipment.

As a vendor, you should have available the type of glovesrecommended for the pesticides distributed. Do not use glovesmade of leather, cloth, or canvas, or gloves having a clothlining. These materials are difficult to clean and they canabsorb a pesticide, thereby keeping chemical in contact withthe hands.

Safety 5-6

Coveralls worn over thegloves

You should check your gloves for holes or leaks before puttingthem on and when washing them following use. Trap airinside the glove and put it in water to check for holes. Discardany gloves that are even slightly damaged, as gloves withholes will increase the chance of exposure to the hands andcould trap pesticide in contact with the skin.

You should keep the sleeves of coveralls over the top of thegloves to prevent any solution from running inside the gloves. For maximum protection, fold down the top of your gloves tomake a cuff. With the gloves under the sleeves, the cuffsprevent pesticide from running down the gloves onto yourarms when your hands are raised.

Gloves must be:< clean;< made of an appropriate chemical-resistant material for the

pesticide, such as neoprene, nitrile, butyl rubber, or PVC-supported (not leather or cloth);

< unlined;< long enough to cover the wrist and lower forearm; and< in good condition (no holes or tears).

Coveralls Anyone who handles a pesticide should at least wear a long-sleeved shirt and long-legged trousers, or a coverall-typegarment. Disposable coveralls specifically designed forpesticide use can be worn. Selected clothing should be clean(pesticide free), easy to wash, and have a tightly wovenfabric. It should be waterproof (e.g., splash pants) if apesticide is likely to substantially wet the work clothes orcoveralls.

Safety 5-7

Baseball type caps and straw hats do not providesuitable head protection when handling a pesticide.

Boots Waterproof, unlined, knee-high boots of rubber or neopreneshould be worn when there is the need to clean up a spill. Asa vendor, you should also advise your customers to wear thistype of boot when applying a pesticide to their lawn. Leatheror fabric covered boots should never be worn when handling a pesticide. They absorb pesticides easily and are impossibleto clean. Pant legs should be worn outside the boots so thatthe pesticide does not run into the boots. Applicators shouldthoroughly wash the outside of the boots and remove themimmediately after use.

Hats Head protection should be worn when applying a pesticideoverhead. This is because the head and neck area can absorba pesticide much easier than most other body locations. Hats should have a wide brim, be made of non-absorbent materials(hard hat or rain wear), and be easy to clean.

Apron As a vendor, you should advise your customers to wear aliquid-proof, chemical-resistant apron when measuring,mixing, or loading a pesticide.

Safety 5-8

Ocular Eyes need special consideration. Absorption of a pesticidethrough the eyes is nearly 100%, and contamination can rangefrom eye irritation to severe damage.

Goggles As a vendor, always wear goggles if there is any chance ofgetting splashed pesticide liquid or dust in your eyes. Youshould also advise your customers to wear eye protection ifthere is a chance of exposure when applying a pesticide (e.g.,aerosol cans). Prescription eyeglasses do not provideadequate protection, and goggles will fit over mosteyeglasses. Do not use goggles having cloth or foamheadbands or ventilation holes.

Do not wear contact lenses when handling a pesticide as theyare permeable to vapours and gases. They can also keep thepesticide in contact with the eyes.

Face shield Face shields protect the face and eyes from direct contact witha splashed pesticide. Some face shields attach to hard hats. You should wear a face shield when handling damagedcontainers.

Inhalation

Respirators

A respirator is sometimes required to prevent pesticideexposure through inhalation. A respirator is a unit that coversthe mouth and nose to prevent pesticide spray droplets,particles, or vapours from entering the lungs. Wearingrespiratory protection is important because once in the lungs, apesticide can enter the blood stream rapidly and completely. Ifinhaled in sufficient amounts, a pesticide can cause damage toyour nose, throat, and lung tissue.

As a vendor, you should wear a respirator when the label sostates or when you might be exposed to a harmful level of apesticide in the air. Respirators must:< have a CSA approval, MSHA-NIOSH approval (MSHA -

Mines, Safety, Health Association, NIOSH - NationalInstitute of Occupational Safety & Health), or a British

Safety 5-9

Health & Safety Executive (BHSE) approval for pesticideuse;

< have an appropriate cartridge or cannister for specificpesticide use;

< fit properly;< be clean; and< contain cartridges that are not over-saturated.

Fitting a respirator Respirators are available in different shapes and sizes. Forproper protection it is essential that you select one that fitsproperly.

A tight seal cannot be achieved if the wearer has a beard orother facial hair, as the hair prevents direct contact between theface and the edge of the respirator.

You should do a fit test each time the respirator is put on. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for respirator fit or useone of the two following tests:

< Place the palm of your hands over the exhalation valvecover and exhale gently. If the face piece bulges slightlyand no air leaks between your face and the face piece aredetected, a proper fit has been obtained. If air leakage isdetected, reposition the respirator on the face and/orreadjust the tension of the elastic straps to eliminate theleakage. Repeat this fit test.

< Place flat pieces of paper or the palms of your hands overthe open area of the cartridge cap, inhale gently, and hold breath for 5 to 10 seconds. If the face piece collapsesslightly, a proper fit has been obtained. If air leakage isdetected, reposition the respirator on your face and/orreadjust the tension of the elastic straps to eliminate theleakage. Repeat this fit test.

Types of respiratoryprotection

Types of respirators available include:< cartridge;< canister;

Safety 5-10

Dust masks provide protection only from dustparticles. They are not respirators and shouldnever be used in their place.

< air-powered purifying; and< self-contained breathing equipment.

The first three respirators do not supply any oxygen andtherefore should never be used in an oxygen-deficientatmosphere.

Half face respirator

Cartridge respirators are the most common type ofrespiratory protective equipment used when handling apesticide. They consist of a half mask or full mask, and someare now disposable. Special pre-filters and cartridges areneeded for protection against pesticides.

The pre-filters only remove dust, small particles, and spraydroplets.

The cartridges, which contain activated charcoal, provideprotection from the pesticide vapours.

Safety 5-11

Powered respirator

Canister respirators incorporate a full face piece and acanister of charcoal. Their large-volume canister allows foruse in higher vapour concentrations, where cartridge respiratorsmay not be sufficient. Be sure to use a canister that providesprotection from organic vapours.

Air-powered purifying respirators use an electric pump todraw air through a charcoal cartridge, where a filter removesparticulates. The purified air is delivered to a tight fitting facemask or a loose fitting helmet. These can be a morecomfortable option to the half mask or full mask respirators. This is especially true on hot days or when you needrespiratory protection for long periods of time.

Self-contained breathing equipment supplies air from a tankon the wearer’s back via a tube on the headpiece. Theserespirators are used for the application of fumigants, or for usein emergencies such as a fire or a major pesticide spill.

Changing cartridges As a vendor, you should recommend that your customersconsult the respirator directions for recommended use times.Replacement cartridges and pre-filters should protect youagainst the type of pesticide being handled. Pre-filters andcartridges should always be used together. Filters should bechanged:< At the start of each new application season< If, when properly fitted, you notice a chemical smell or

taste< After you have been working in an area containing a lot

of vapours (e.g., cleaning up a spill in the storage area)

Cleanup andmaintenance

Personal protective equipment will retain residue after use soyou must handle all pieces carefully to prevent contaminationduring removal and cleanup.

Safety 5-12

Cartridges should be changed at least once ayear. A respirator is no longer providingappropriate protection and should be changed ifthe applicator can smell or taste chemical.

Personal protective equipment should be cleaned at the end ofeach day of use or when a job is finished. Manufacturerinstructions for cleaning personal protective equipment shouldalways be followed. Cleanup should be done at the applicationsite, whenever possible.

Gloves Clean your gloves as follows:< leave gloves on while removing and cleaning the rest of

your personal protective equipment;< wash gloves before taking them off;< turn the gloves inside out while removing them; and< wash thoroughly with detergent and rinse well after each

day of use/application.

Check your gloves frequently for leaks, discard leaky ones,and replace gloves on a regular basis.

Safety 5-13

Gloves should be kept on while you remove your personalprotective equipment, then washed with soap and waterbefore they, in turn, are removed.

Body covering Clean your body covering as follows:< wear protective gloves;< rinse off waterproof clothing before removal;< discard heavily contaminated clothing;< use disposable plastic garbage bags for temporary storage

of pesticide-contaminated clothes prior to washing; and< wash clothing daily.

Laundering Laundry instructions are as follows:< wear the proper gloves to handle contaminated clothing;< use chemical-resistant gloves to handle contaminated

clothing;< use a pre-wash additive on contaminated areas;< pre-soak and launder contaminated clothing separately

from normal laundry;< avoid overcrowding clothes in the washing machine;< re-rinse clothing using the pre-soak cycle;< use hot water, full water level, and normal wash cycle;< use a heavy duty detergent, bleach, or household

ammonia (do not mix these cleaners);< repeat wash cycles may be required to remove some

chemicals;< hang clothes out to dry so as to prevent possible

contamination of the dryer; and< run the empty washing machine through a full cycle

again after use, using hot water and detergent to rinse itthoroughly.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for care/disposal ofdisposable coveralls.

Safety 5-14

Respirators Clean your respirators as follows:< Wear the proper gloves when handling contaminated

respirators< Inspect respirators regularly for damage< Make sure all valves, mechanical pre-filters, and charcoal

cartridges are properly positioned and sealed< Remove pre-filters and cartridges/canisters after each day

of use and place them in a clean, sealed plastic bag. Thisprevents the cartridge from being used up when not inuse

< Wash the respirator face piece in warm water using amild detergent, then rinse well

< Prolong the life of charcoal cartridges/canisters byremoving them from the respirator and keeping them in aclean, air-tight container when not in use

Storage As a vendor, you should advise your customers to storepersonal protective equipment separate from the pesticidestorage area, but also away from regular clothing. A cool, drystorage area close to where the pesticides are stored will helpextend the life of protective clothing. This also allows forquick access in case of an emergency. Keeping waterproofclothing (e.g., gloves, boots, etc.) away from sunlight will helpto extend its life. Keep charcoal cartridges/canisters in a cleanair-tight container.

The Environment 6-1

The Environment 6Introduction Pesticides have the potential to harm the environment if they

move from the target site. If this happens, they can harm air,soil, and water. As a vendor, you should understand theprocesses that affect a pesticide once it is released. Byunderstanding these processes, you can help reduce damageto the environment. It is the legal responsibility of everyonewho handles a pesticide to minimize potential damage to theenvironment.

LearningObjectives

Completing this chapter will help you to:< Identify, interpret, and manage environmental risk< Understand the processes that affect a pesticide once it

is released into the environment< Prevent a pesticide from contaminating air, soil, and

water< Identify sources of information on pesticides and the

environment for your customers

EnvironmentalRisk

Every time a pesticide is applied there is some risk to theenvironment. The degree of risk depends upon persistence,mobility, non-target toxicity, and volume. The environmentalrisk associated with the use of a pesticide can be expressed inthe form of the following equation.

The Environment 6-2

Environmental Risk = Persistence x Mobility x Non-target Toxicity x Volume Used

Environmental risk is minimized when any of these risk factors is close to zero.

The more persistent a pesticide, the longer the activeingredient is available and so the higher the risk it posesto the environment.

Persistence Persistence describes how long the active ingredient of thepesticide remains active in the environment. A pesticide thatremains active in the environment for a long period of time isdescribed as persistent. The relative persistence of pesticidesis usually compared by determining their half-life.

A product is considered to be highly persistent if it’s half-lifeis greater than one year. The herbicide picloram, oncecommonly used to control vegetation along powerline rights-of-way, is an example of a highly persistent pesticide. Theherbicide 2,4-D is considered to be slightly persistent, with ahalf life of about 2 to 3 weeks. Products with a half-lifemeasured in hours or days are said to be non-persistent (e.g.,pyrethrins).

A pesticide with an active ingredient that is persistent is goodfor long-term pest control. The down-side to this is that apersistent pesticide can also have the ability to causeenvironmental damage over a long period of time.

Half-life is the time required for one-half of the initialconcentration of the pesticide to degrade in some partof the environment.

The Environment 6-3

A persistent pesticide is more likely to move from theapplication site into local water supplies. Hexazinone (Velpar L) registered for vegetation control on blueberries, isan example of a moderately persistent pesticide. Traceamounts, associated with its use in nearby blueberry fields,have been found in groundwater throughout the Maritmes.

Mobility Mobility is the ability of the active ingredient of a pesticide tomove away from the site of application. Movement can be through the soil, water, or air. Factors such as chemicalfamily, soil type, soil conditions, and climate can influenceboth the mobility and the persistence of a pesticide in the soil.

The more easily a pesticide is able to move away from the siteof application, the higher the risk to the environment.

Non- targetToxicity

Non-target toxicity refers to the unintended harmful effect ofa pesticide on any organism other than the pest. The risk tothe environment increases if the non-target toxicity of theproduct is high.

Volume Volume of use refers to the total amount of the product usedin the environment. The larger the volume of product that isused, the higher the potential for environmental damage.

Pesticide Fate As soon as a pesticide is released into the environment, its fate is determined by its various physical and chemicalproperties as well as natural environmental processes. Thesefactors include:< breakdown/degradation < volatilization;< adsorption;< runoff;< desorption< absorption

The Environment 6-4

< bio-concentration or bio-accumulation< bio-magnification< leaching; and< vapour drift and spray drift.

These factors ultimately determine what impact the pesticidewill have on the environment. Given the sensitive nature ofthe natural environment, it is important that vendors areknowledgeable concerning the processes listed above, and areprepared to assist customers when selecting crop protectionproducts.

Physical and ChemicalProperties

Both the physical and chemical properties of a pesticideinfluence the environmental risk associated with its use.Important pesticide properties are listed in Table 6.1.

Degradation how a pesticide breaks down in theenvironment.

Bio-accumulation how pesticides accumulate in bodytissues.

Volatility how a pesticide changes into a vapourwhen exposed to air.

Adsorption how a pesticide binds to soil particles.

Absorption how pesticides move into organisms orsoil structures.

Table 6.1 Pesticide properties that influence environmental risk

Degradation The breakdown of a pesticide in the environment is known asdegradation. As a vendor, you should understand that the rateof pesticide breakdown is affected by numerousenvironmental factors, including temperature, moisture, and

The Environment 6-5

Half life is the time it takes for one half ofthe initial amount of a pesticide to breakdown.

pH. This breakdown can occur through microbial activity,chemical activity, or photodegradation.

Microbial degradation is the most common type of pesticidebreakdown. Soil microorganisms use a pesticide as a foodsource, thereby breaking it into basic compounds such aswater and carbon dioxide. Temperature, pH, soil moisture,presence or absence of oxygen, soil fertility, and the chemicalor physical properties of a pesticide all affect microbialbreakdown.

Chemical degradation is simply a chemical reaction thatoccurs between a pesticide and other chemicals in theenvironment, such as water. This type of degradationgenerally splits a pesticide into less hazardous compounds. The rate of chemical degradation depends upon thetemperature, pH, moisture, and the specific pesticide.

Photodegradation refers to the break down of a pesticide bysunlight. If they are to be effective, products that break downvery rapidly when exposed to sunlight must be incorporatedinto the soil shortly after application.

The speed with which degradation occurs is measured by thepesticide’s half-life. That is the time it takes for one half ofthe initial amount of a pesticide to break down in theenvironment. For example, 2,4-D has a half-life in soil ofabout 2 to 3 weeks. If it were applied at the rate of 1 L/ha, 2to 3 weeks later there would only be 0.5 L/ha (or half of theoriginal amount) of the product left in the environment.

The Environment 6-6

When pesticide vapours move from the target and into the air during or after anapplication, this movement is called vapour drift.

Bio-accumulation Bioconcentration (or bioaccumulation) is defined as themovement of a chemical from the surrounding medium intoan organism. If the chemical is more soluble in fat than inwater, it can accumulate in the fatty tissue of aquaticorganisms at a higher concentration than found in thesurrounding water.

Most of the examples of bioconcentration of chemicals fromthe environment are observed in aquatic ecosystems;however, some also occur in terrestrial ecosystems.

Biomagnification Biomagnification is the increase in concentration of a toxicchemical, including some pesticides, to higher trophic(feeding) levels in a food chain. Biomagnification from onefeeding level to another (algae to fish to osprey) is dependenton the bioconcentration of the chemical in the lower trophiclevels and, for this reason, bioconcentration orbioaccumulation and biomagnification are related. Biomagnification occurs when units of a chemical thatpersisted in the algae are transferred to the fish, and thenmagnified up the food chain to the osprey. This can result inthe osprey accumulating a large quantity of a toxic chemical,thereby resulting in serious problems.

Volatilization Volatilization is the process whereby a solid or a liquidsubstance evaporates into a vapour (gas). The rate at which apesticide evaporates depends upon the product and theenvironmental conditions (temperature, relative humidity, andwind speed). Hot, dry, windy weather increases thevolatilization. Small spray droplets are more easilyvolatilized than are larger drops.

The Environment 6-7

As a vendor, you should be prepared to advise your customersthat vapour drift of a herbicide can cause damage to non-target plants some distance from the point of application. You should also make them aware that a volatile product canbe less effective if it is applied on a hot day. This is becausesome of the active ingredient can be changed into a vapour(gas) and thus will no longer be available to affect the pest.

Adsorption Adsorption refers to the binding of a chemical to soilparticles or other material. The degree to which a pesticidebinds to the soil varies with the type and concentration of thepesticide. It also varies with the soil type, moisture, pH, andtexture. Soils high in organic matter or clay are the mostadsorptive. Most soil-bound pesticides are less likely to leachor be broken down by microbes. However, a pesticide can beeasily moved by wind or water when bound to soil particles.

Desorption occurs when bound pesticides are released fromthe soil or other material. These released pesticide residuesare then more readily available for uptake and effect on theenvironment.

Absorption Absorption is the movement of pesticides into organisms(e.g., plants, animals) or structures (e.g., soil, wood). Absorption of a pesticide into an organism is not alwaysdetrimental since many of these organisms can degrade thepesticides into nontoxic compounds. Usually, a pesticide willnot be absorbed if it has adsorbed to the soil.

NaturalEnvironmentalProcesses

You should also understand that there are natural processes that can determine what happens to a pesticide, and where itends up, after it is released into the environment.

These natural processes include:< spray drift;< surface runoff;< leaching; and< soil erosion via wind and water.

The Environment 6-8

Spray Drift Spray drift refers to the airborne movement of spray dropletsaway from a treatment site during an application. Spray driftis affected by:< spray droplet size. The smaller the droplets, the more

likely they will drift. Therefore, factors that decreasedroplet size (e.g., too high equipment pressure, too smalla nozzle size, high air temperatures, low air humidity)will increase drift;

< air movement. The more that air moves, the more pesticide spray will drift; and

< the distance between the nozzle and the target. Thegreater the distance, the more that air movement canaffect the spray (e.g., an attempt by a customer to sprayhigh up into a tree may result in spray drift.)

Spray drift

Surface Runoff Surface runoff is the movement of water over a slopingsurface. A pesticide can either be mixed in the water orbound to soil particles that move with the water. Thepesticide’s characteristics (formulation, solubility, etc.) willaffect the amount of pesticide in the runoff. The amount ofrunoff depends on:< the slope of the surface;< the texture and type of the surface (e.g., grass vs bare

soil);< the moisture content of the surface material;< the amount of additional moisture (rainfall, irrigation,

etc.); and

The Environment 6-9

< the type and amount of surface vegetation and rootdevelopment.

Runoff from a treated area or an area contaminated by apesticide spill can pollute surface water, groundwater, andsoil. A loss of product can occur when it rains before a liquidpesticide has had time to dry on the soil or vegetation. Evenmany months after application, heavy rains can carry apersistent pesticide or a pesticide adsorbed on soil particles inthe run-off water.

Leaching Leaching is the movement of a pesticide with water throughthe soil. Leaching can occur downward, upward, orsideways. Leaching increases when:< pesticide solubility increases;< the soil has a low water-holding capacity;< the soil has a low organic content; and< additional water is added (rain, irrigation).

Soil Erosion Soil erosion occurs when a soil surface is worn away bywater or wind. Any pesticide that has adsorbed to soilparticles can be carried by the wind or run-off water tolocations considerably distant from the application site.

The Environment 6-10

Given the sensitive nature of the natural environment, it isextremely important that you as a vendor are knowledgeableconcerning these factors, and are prepared to assist yourcustomers with the selection of a pesticide.

Pesticides inWater

As a vendor, you should be aware that both surface water andgroundwater can be contaminated by a pesticide. Once wateris contaminated with a pesticide it can become toxic to aquatic or terrestrial wildlife, and to domestic animals or tohumans.

Surface water is visible water (water at the soil surfacein open bodies such as streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, andoceans).

Groundwater is found below the surface of the earth,generally saturated in zones of rock, sand, or gravel. Such zones are known as aquifers. The water table isthe level below which all the spaces are filled withwater. The water table can be near the surface or atdepths of hundreds of feet. Much of the water used forconsumption by livestock and people comes fromgroundwater and, if contaminated, associated negativeeffects can persist over a long period of time.

Contamination A pesticide can enter surface water and groundwater inseveral ways:< natural processes, including runoff, leaching, and

erosion;< spray drift and/or vapour drift during application;< using an application rate higher than is recommended

on the product label;< pesticide spills during transportation, mixing and

loading, storage, application, or disposal;< container leaks and/or flooding while pesticides are in

storage; and < improper disposal of excess spray mix, unwanted waste

pesticides, and pesticide containers.


You should understand that once water is contaminated,organisms living in or using the water can be affected. These can include humans, domestic animals, fish, plants,birds, wildlife, insects, etc. Contaminated water can affectthem directly (contact or drinking) or indirectly (impact onfood supplies or recreational activities). It is difficult (oftenimpossible) and very expensive to decontaminate groundand/or surface water.

Pesticides can move in the soil and contaminate surface and groundwater

Pesticides inSoil

You should be aware that soil can be contaminated in thesame way as water. This can be the result of:< a spill associated with mixing and loading;< improper disposal of a pesticide mixture or container; or< exceeding the label-recommended rate of application.


Highly persistent herbicides or insecticides can limitfuture uses of a property. Persistent products have agreater chance of contaminating the environment, andmay damage sensitive or susceptible crops planted thefollowing season.

Contamination Soil contamination can be short lived or last for a long timedepending on how quickly a pesticide is inactivated bybiological, chemical, or physical means. The followingfactors can affect the persistence of a pesticide in the soil:< chemical class or family;< type of formulation;< strength (concentration) of formulation;< ability to form persistent byproducts;< weather conditions; and< soil conditions (e.g., organic matter, pH, texture).

Breakdown is slowest under dry, cool conditions.

PersistentPesticides in theSoil

Vendors should be prepared to advise their customers thatalthough highly persistent herbicides are advantageous incases where long-term vegetation control is needed (e.g., themanagement of vegetation on rights-of-way and industrialsites), they must be used with care since there is a greaterchance of off-site movement through leaching and erosion. Applicators should also be aware that damage to trees somedistance from the treatment area can occur.


Pesticides inAir

As a vendor, you should inform your customers that spraydroplets, dust, mists (spray drift), or vapours (vapour drift)can be added to the air during the application of a pesticide.

Spray drift and vapour drift

Contamination Once in the air, a pesticide can be transported to waterbodies, non-target organisms, or the soil. It can also beconcentrated within enclosed spaces and harm applicators,bystanders, or non-target organisms.

PesticideImpact on Natural Ecosystems

The careless or needless use of a pesticide can alter or destroyan ecosystem.

Animals Wild or domestic animals, including birds, can be harmed bynumerous pesticides. As a worst case they can die fromdirect exposure to a product. Due to the accumulation ofpesticides in their tissues, they can also suffer adverse weightloss, reproductive failure, or be unfit for human consumption. Contaminating nests, dens, or burrows; destroying wildlifehabitat; or destroying their food supply can also harm animaland bird populations. Soil organisms can be harmed bypesticides in the soil.

You should understand how a pesticide can negativelyimpact animals and be prepared to advise your customers to:


< be sensitive to the presence of wildlife and their young;< read and follow all pesticide label information;< use a pesticide only when necessary;< select the least toxic and least persistent of the

registered and recommended pesticides;< use a target-specific pesticide to minimize impact on

desirable organisms;< be aware of the effects that granular pesticides and

treated seed can have on wildlife, and ensure that suchproducts are properly used and stored;

< avoid using products that are known to move away fromthe area of application through drift or runoff; and

< leave buffer zones around sensitive areas.

BeneficialInsects

Pollinators (bees), insect predators, parasites, anddecomposers are a beneficial part of the natural ecosystemand can help to naturally control pest populations.

The widespread use of a non-selective insecticide can killbeneficial insects as well as target pests. If the number ofbeneficial insects is decreased, the natural balance is upsetand surviving pests can quickly increase in number.

You should be aware of the role that beneficial insects play inthe natural ecosystem, and be prepared to discuss this withyour customers. Negative impacts can be decreased by:< minimizing pesticide use;< choosing the pesticide least harmful to beneficial

insects;< not treating the edges of treatment sites, thereby

providing for areas where insect predators can takeshelter; and

< minimizing drift onto areas that house beneficialinsects.

Pollinators You should also be prepared to assist your customers toprotect bees, which are a special group of beneficial insects,


Fish can be harmed indirectly if a pesticide destroysfood sources, disrupts their ability to reproduce or feed,or damages aquatic vegetation, thereby resulting in aloss of protection or an increase in the watertemperature.

and essential for the survival of many plants. An applicator can help protect bees by:<< letting nearby beekeepers and local beekeeper

associations know when hazardous pesticides will beapplied;

< not applying pesticides that are toxic to bees onblooming crops;

< mowing cover crops and weeds to remove blooms priorto spraying;

< applying pesticides later in the evening when bees aremore likely to be in the hives;

< selecting a pesticide product that is least harmful tobees; and

< taking necessary steps to minimize spray drift andvapour drift.

Fish and OtherAquaticOrganisms

Fish and other aquatic organisms can be harmed when apesticide enters the surface water. This can happen throughdrift, runoff, soil erosion, leaching, or the deliberate orcareless release of a product.

Selected pesticides (e.g., pyrethroids) are known to be verytoxic to fish and aquatic organisms, and all carry specialwarning notices on their labels.

Fish and aquatic organisms can be negatively impacted bypesticides. You should understand that fish can be protectedif pesticides are prevented from directly or indirectlycontaminating water sources. Always advise your customersto:< use the correct pesticide application rate;


People who damage fish or fish habitat as a result of pesticide use can faceprosecution and severe penalty under the federal Fisheries Act.

< frequently calibrate and maintain application equipment;< observe buffer zones during tank filling or mixing and

application;< avoiding spraying in high winds and just prior to rain;< fill the sprayer away from water bodies and to use a

nurse tank. (Make a habit of bringing the water to thesprayer rather than the sprayer to the water source.);

< prevent the back flow of contaminated water through thefiller hose into the water supply. (Keep the end of thefiller hose above the water level in the spray tank at alltimes, never leave the tank unattended, and use an anti-backflow device (e.g., spring-loaded check valve); and

< wash and/or park spray equipment away from a well,steam, lake, or the ocean.

Plants Chemicals that damage or injure plants are said to be phytotoxic,and injury can occur to both target and non-target plants.

Most pesticide damage is caused by herbicides. However, insome cases the damage to non-target plants can result from theuse of an insecticide or fungicide. As a vendor, you should beaware of any possible non-target sensitivities noted on apesticide label. You should also advise your customers toprotect non-target plants by taking steps to prevent themovement of pesticides onto non-target areas.

AdditionalInformationSources

As a vendor, you should make your customers aware that moreinformation can be obtained on pesticides and the environmentby contacting:< qualified extension specialists;< pesticide suppliers or manufacturers; and< the provincial regulatory authority.

Transportation, Display, Storage and Disposal 7-1

Transportation, Display, Storage, and Disposal 7Introduction To minimize risk to you, your customers, and the environment,

pesticides must be transported, stored, displayed, and disposedof properly. As a vendor, you must handle pesticidesresponsibly. You should also take every opportunity toencourage your customers to do the same.

LearningObjectives

Completing this chapter will help you to:< Transport pesticides safely< Store and display pesticides safely< Properly dispose of empty containers and unwanted

pesticide

Transportation

FederalLegislation

There are no federal laws that regulate the transport of adomestic pesticide. To properly transport domestic pesticidesalways follow basic safety guidelines.

Transportation ofDangerousGoods Act

Transportation of Commercial and Restricted Class (non-Domestic) pesticides are regulated by the Transportation ofDangerous Goods (TDG) Act. This legislation is theresponsibility of Transport Canada, but it has also beenadopted and administrated under provincial legislation.Vendors should consult the provincial pesticide regulatoryauthorities for details.

Other Requirements In all other situations, consult appropriate provincial


regulations to find out whether some or all of the followingitems are needed.

1. Shipping documents, which indicate the shipper,receiver, technical shipping name, productclassification, product identification number (P.I.N),degree of hazard, and emergency telephone numbers.2. A hazard warning label on every pesticidepackage.3. Placards with product identification numbers andsymbols on the outside of vehicles (not required whencarrying less than 1,500 kg of a product on a vehiclelicenced as a farm vehicle, other than pesticides that areexplosive or produce a poisonous or flammable gas) (See Figure 7.1 for details.)4. Appropriate packaging of dangerous goods duringtransport.5. Training of persons involved in the transport ofdangerous goods.6. Reporting of accidents that represent a danger tohealth, life, property, or the environment.

All companies that handle pesticides for manufacturing,formulating, or wholesale and all commercial pesticideapplicators that transport pesticides from storage areas toapplication sites or to other storage sites should be familiarwith the requirements for the specific pesticides they handle.

Classes and quantities of dangerous goods that require special handling and transport procedures are identified in theTransportation of Dangerous Goods Act Regulations. Somepesticide products are included in those classes of dangerousgoods known as "gasses" (Class 2), "flammable liquids"(Class 3), "poisonous substances" (Class 6.1), or "productshazardous to the environment" (Class 9.2). ( See Figure 7.1.)

The transport of non-Domestic pesticides may also be regulated by individual provinces. Vendors and purchasesshould familiarize themselves with the legal requirements oftheir province. ( See Chapter 2, Pesticide Legislation, fordetails.)


Figure 7.1 Classification of Dangerous Goods


NOTE: These are the only situations underwhich an individual does not have to followthe Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act

Regulations.

Exemptions fromTDG Act

Pesticides are exempt from some federal and provincialrequirements for dangerous goods, but only in the followingsituations. : < TDG Act Regulations do not apply to pesticides in a

quantity less than or equal to 1,500 kg gross mass intransport on a road vehicle licensed as a farm vehicle if:(a) the pesticides are transported solely on land for adistance less than or equal to 100 km; and(b) are to be or have been used for agriculturalpurposes.

< TDG Act Regulations do not apply to pesticides in aquantity less than or equal to 3,000 kg gross mass intransport on a road vehicle if:(a) the pesticides are transported solely on land betweena retail outlet and the residence of the purchaser or theplace of use for a distance less than or equal to 100 km;and(b) are to be or have been used for agriculturalpurposes.

< Documentation, placarding, and special training underTDG Act Regulations, are not required to a solution ofpesticides in transport on a road vehicle if:(a) the pesticides are transported solely on land for adistance less than or equal to 100 km; (b) the pesticides are in a means of containment that hasa water capacity less than or equal to 6 000 L, and isused to prepare or apply the pesticides.


There is NO EXEMPTION if thepesticide being transported is classified

as an explosive, or a poisonous orflammable gas (e.g., methyl bromide).

ProvincialLegislation

Under the provincial Pesticides Control Act and regulations,it is illegal to transport a concentrated pesticide in, or on, avehicle together with commodities that are: < foodstuffs, feeds, or any other material intended for

consumption by humans or animals;< household furnishings; or< toiletries, clothes, bedding, or similar commodities.unless the pesticide being transported is separated from thesecommodities in a manner sufficient to prevent theircontamination or likely contamination by the concentratedpesticide.

General Guidelinesfor Transporting aPesticide

To promote the safe transport of pesticides and to minimizeexposure, you should:< Carefully inspect each pesticide container before selling

it to a customer and make sure that the container is notdamaged or broken

< Make sure that liquid containers are not leaking and thatthe caps are tight

< Make sure the container is packed securely and in anupright position

< Make sure the approved label is in good condition, andon all containers

< Advise your customers to transport any pesticideseparate from food, pet or animal feed, fertilizer,clothes, or household items

< Place all pesticide containers in an enclosedcompartment that is securely affixed to the vehicle;never place them in the cab or passenger area.

< Advise the customer if there are specific requirementsfor placarding.


< Advise the customer that pesticide products must not beleft unsupervised in a vehicle unless:• the vehicle is in a place not accessible to the public;• the pesticide is locked in an enclosed part of the

vehicle (but not the cab or passenger area); or• the vehicle has a placard which says, “Chemical

Storage Warning - Authorized Persons Only”. < When offering a delivery service, make sure all

employees handling pesticides are trained and know thetransport requirements for the product, that thecontingency plans for accidents and spills are in thevehicle, and that the vehicle is equipped with a fireextinguisher and spill recovery kit.

< Make sure paper and cardboard containers are protectedfrom moisture

Display

Self SelectDomesticPesticides

All vendors must ensure that self select domestic pesticidesare displayed so that:< They present a minimal hazard to children< They are not adjacent within 1 metre of commodities

that are foodstuffs, feeds, or any other material intendedfor consumption by humans or animals

< They are not adjacent within 1 metre of commoditiesthat are household furnishings; or toiletries, clothes,bedding or similar commodities

ControlledPurchase DomesticPesticides

The holder of a Domestic Pesticide Vendor Business Licencemust ensure that they display controlled purchase domesticpesticides so that: < No person other than the licensee or the licensee’s

employees has ready access to the pesticides< They present a minimal hazard to children< They are not adjacent within 1 metre of commodities




Non-DomesticPesticides

The holder of a Non-domestic Pesticide Vendor BusinessLicence must ensure that those non-domestic pesticides thatare allowed on display, are displayed so that: < No person other than the licensee or the licensee’s

employees has ready access to the pesticides< They present a minimal hazard to children< They are not adjacent within 1 metre of commodities



Storage Proper storage of a pesticide by you and your customers can: < prevent cross contamination with other products;< minimize clean up cost from a spill or fire involving a

pesticide;< help to protect employees, the general public,

emergency responders, pets, and the environment; and< extend the shelf life of a pesticide.

ProvincialLegislation

As a vendor, you must follow all provincial legislationgoverning the storage of a pesticide.

Storage of SelfSelect DomesticPesticides

Self select domestic pesticides must be stored so that:< They present a minimal hazard to children< They are not adjacent within 1 metre of commodities




Storage ofControlledPurchase DomesticPesticides

A company that holds a Domestic Pesticide Vendor BusinessLicense must store all controlled purchase domesticpesticides such that:< only the license holder and his/her certified employees

have ready access to the (indoor or outdoor) storagearea and the pesticides stored therein;

< appropriate WARNING, AUTHORIZED PERSONSONLY, and PESTICIDE STORAGE signs areprominently displayed on the outside of each doorproviding access to any indoor storage area and in closeproximity to any outdoor storage area;

< the storage area has no floor drains leading to a stormsewer, sanitary sewer, or watercourse;

< recommended respiratory and personal protectionequipment are kept near the area and readily availablefor emergency purposes; and

< pesticides are not stored adjacent within 1 m of humanfood, animal feed, household furnishings, personaltoiletries, clothes, bedding, or other similarcommodities.

Indoor storage areas must be properly vented to the outsideenvironment.

Storage of Non-DomesticPesticides

A company that holds a Non-domestic Pesticide VendorBusiness License must store all non-domestic pesticides onlyin a Phase III approved storage facility.

Phase III CertifiedPesticide StorageFacility

A Phase III certified pesticide storage facility is a facility thatis in compliance with the requirements of the AgrichemicalWarehouse Standards Association (AWSA), under Crop Life


Canada. These standard apply to all sites in Canada thatstore non-domestic plant protection products

This industry-managed program is regulated through theAgrichemical Warehouse Standards Association. Licencesare renewed every 2 years, following approval from qualifiedauditors.

Specific requirements for meeting the standards can be foundin the Warehouse Audit Protocols and User Guide (January2006). Copies can be obtained by writing: AWSA ProjectManagement Office, 296 Jarvis Street, Unit 7, Toronto, ONM5B 2C5.

Good PracticeGuidelines forPesticide Storage

In addition to legislated requirements for the storage of apesticide, facility managers should:< read and follow storage instructions on pesticide labels

and MSDSs;< store pesticides only in their original

container/packaging and with the original label intact;< store pesticides in a dry area;< check containers regularly for leaks, tears, rust, or loose

lids;< keep an inventory of the quantity, type, and age of the

pesticides in storage. Keep this list up-to-date, handy,and outside of the storage site;

< have adequate lighting so products are easilyrecognized;

< keep containers/packages upright and off the floor;< have areas in and around the storage site posted as “no

smoking” areas;< provide the local fire department with a copy of the site

map, a list of products that might be stored, and theMSDSs as requested;

< invite the local fire department to visit the site;< keep emergency response equipment near (but not in)

the storage facility;< at all times keep access routes to/from the site clear for

emergency equipment;


< keep a list of emergency telephone numbers (e.g., firedepartment, medical personnel, and poison controlcentres) posted near the storage area;

< follow all federal/provincial Building, Fire, andElectrical Codes;

< follow the manufacturer's suggested stacking heights,and make sure that stacked tiers are stable and secure;

< keep enough space between rows to permit a visualinspection of containers for corrosion and leaks;

< never refuse a shipment of damaged goods. Securedamaged containers and follow procedures for thedisposal of unwanted pesticide. Decontaminate thetransport vehicles/equipment and other containers; and

< keep Material Safety Data Sheets, technical bulletins,product labels, and other information up-to-date andreadily available for customers and all employees. (SeeChapter 3: Labelling, for additional information onMSDSs.)

Storage Facility

Bulk Storage On a regular basis, vendors should check all pumps, valves,etc., located on bulk pesticide storage containers andimmediately replace damaged or worn parts. Make sure thatall bulk storage tanks have dikes or retaining walls and animpervious base to collect any pesticide in the case of a spill.


Never take drums to a garbage dumpunless authorized to do so by staff of thePEI Pesticide Regulatory Program.

Ensure also that all liquid transfer systems are designed toprevent overflow while filling operations are under way, and have a system to contain and dispose of tank and pumpwashing water.

Temporary Storage Many of the principles that apply to permanent pesticidestorage facilities would also apply to temporary storagefacilities. Vendors and customers must follow provincialregulations or requirements.

Disposal

Disposal of Wasteor Unsold (vendor) Pesticide

From time to time you can have unwanted pesticideconcentrate that requires disposal. The preferred option is toreturn the product to your distributor or the manufacturer. Ifthe pesticide must be destroyed, contact your provincialpesticide regulatory authority for proper direction.

You may also find that as a result of damaged containers orspill cleanups that you have waste pesticide that requiresdisposal. Chapter 10: Emergency Response provides directionon the safe clean up of spilled pesticide. While waiting toproperly dispose of this product, you should:< cover all drums containing pesticide materials and label

each with the wordings “Danger - spilled pesticide” or“DANGER" and the name of the pesticide;

< consult appropriate provincial/industry authorities foradvice on proper disposal, and a licensed hazardouswaste disposal company to arrange for pick-up anddisposal. Remember to follow all requirements underCanada’s Transportation of Dangerous Goods Actregarding proper transport and disposal documentation.


A customer must NEVER re-spray the treated areawith undiluted spray mix. Spraying an area twice willDOUBLE THE RECOMMENDED PESTICIDEAPPLICATION RATE.

Disposal of Waste(customer)Pesticide

As a service to your customers, you may choose to accept andstore unwanted pesticide. To minimize the accumulation ofunwanted or excess pesticide, you should advise yourcustomers to: < plan their pesticide needs carefully;< purchase only the amount of pesticide required to do the

treatment;< take an inventory of pesticide remaining at the end of

each season;< and use this old inventory before purchasing new

pesticide.

You should also be prepared to assist your customers:< in calculating the amount of pesticide required to

complete a treatment (See Chapter 9: PesticideApplication);

< by reminding them that the safest way to dispose of apesticide is to use it according to label directions;

< by taking back unopened pesticide containers; and< by advising them to follow label directions for proper

methods to dispose of unwanted product.

Disposal of SurplusTank Mixture

Vendors should remind customers to make every attempt tominimize the amount of excess product left in the spray tankat the end of a treatment. Vendors may be asked to assistcustomers in determining the total amount of product requiredto do a treatment, how to accurately measure the area to betreated, or how to calibrate the application equipment.

Product left in the tank at the end of an application should be applied according to label directions on another site thatrequires an application of this pesticide. Customers should contact their appropriate pesticideregulatory authority for more information on product disposal.


Vendors should advise their customersthat it is a violation of both provincialregulations and industry guidelines to useempty pesticide containers, including largeplastic drums, for anything other thantheir original intended purpose. Suchdrums should not be used or sold asgarbage cans, flotation devices, etc.

Disposal of EmptyDomestic PesticideContainers

You, and your customers, should be familiar with how toproperly dispose of empty domestic pesticide containers. Remember: < To read the label and follow all precautionary statements

< That a pesticide container must not be used for anythingother than the original intended purpose

< That, before disposal, pesticide containers must be clean,triple rinsed, and contain no liquid material

< That cleaned containers can be wrapped in newspaperand placed with regular domestic garbage

Disposal of EmptyNon-DomesticPesticideContainers

Vendors should contact their appropriate provincial regulatoryauthority for information on the proper method of disposal forempty pesticide containers, and be prepared to advise customers to read the label and follow allprecautionary statements.

In Prince Edward Island the recommended way to dispose ofempty, rinsed, plastic pesticide containers is to return them toan authorized pesticide vendor for recycling.

Container RecycleProgram

Most licensed pesticide dealerships accept plastic containersduring normal business hours. Containers must be clean,rinsed (triple or jet), and contain no liquid material.


Container lids must be removed and, if possible, pesticidelabels should also be removed. Dealer personnel must inspecteach container to make sure that it is acceptable for recycling. Containers collected in the Maritime Region are chipped, andthe plastic chips are shipped to be made into products such asplastic fence posts.

Rinsing ofPesticideContainers

You should advise your customers that once the last of apesticide has been applied or added to the applicationequipment, the empty container should be rinsed (triplerinsing for plastic or metal containers, and a single rinsefor bags with plastic or foil liners) to remove any remainingproduct. Even after rinsing, trace amounts of a pesticide canremain. All containers should be punctured or crushed so thatthey cannot be used again for any other purpose.

Burning ofPesticideContainers

You should advise your customers that the burning of plasticcontainers or other hazardous substances is prohibited by lawwithin Prince Edward Island. Low-temperature burninggenerally does not destroy remaining pesticide, but ratherresults in it being vaporized. The vapours can then drift toother areas, posing a hazard to public health and theenvironment. Breathing the smoke from these fires can beharmful.

Burying ofPesticideContainers

The burying of empty pesticide containers, even if they havebeen properly rinsed, is also legally prohibited within theprovince. While properly rinsed containers pose little environmental threat, their decomposition rate is very slow. Aplastic container can take several centuries to break down.

A plastic fence post made from recycledcontainers is a better gift to futuregenerations than are containersabandoned throughout the naturalenvironment.

Pest Management 8-1

As a vendor, you should be able to provideadvice to your customers with respect to thenature of the pesticides you sell.

You should also be able to interpret theinformation on a pesticide label.

You are discouraged from recommending pestcontrol strategies, or specific pesticides, tocustomers UNLESS you otherwise qualify as apest control specialist.

Pest Management 8Introduction The goal of pest management is to manage pests effectively,

economically, and safely. Pest management typicallyinvolves the suppression of pest numbers to an acceptablelevel. It does not involve eradication, or the total eliminationof a pest population.

LearningObjectives

Completing this chapter will help you to: < Understand and apply the elements of integrated pest

management (IPM)< Understand the various types of pests< Understand the various types of pesticides< Manage pesticide resistance

Pest Management 8-2

“Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a decisionmaking process that uses all necessary techniques tosuppress pests effectively, economically, and in anenvironmentally sound manner.”

Integrated PestManagement(IPM)

In Canada, the Expert Committee in Integrated PestManagement proposed the following definition of IPM in1995:

IPM does not attempt to eliminate all pests. By usingmethods that have the least potential to harm people and theenvironment, IPM tries to reduce a pest population to thelevel where the damage or the nuisance is acceptable. As avendor, you should encourage your customers to use anintegrated pest management approach to address their pestproblems.

Some of the immediate benefits of IPM include:< enjoying more cost-effective pest control;< slowing the development of pest resistance; and< reducing dependence on one type of control.

IPM also addresses consumer and government concern aboutthe careful use of pesticides. Consumer fears are nowlimiting pesticide use, and this trend is likely to accelerateunless the public believes that pesticides are being applied ina responsible manner.

Elements of IPM There are six elements in a typical IPM program. Theseinclude:

1. Pest Prevention: Pest problems are minimized throughcareful planning and site management.

2. Pest Identification: Pests and beneficial organisms areidentified.

Pest Management 8-3

3. Pest Monitoring: Pest and beneficial organismpopulations are monitored (counted). The extent ofdamage caused by the pest is also assessed.

4. Injury and Action Thresholds: Injury and actionthresholds are used to decide when to undertake pestcontrol measures.

5. Selection of Management Methods: Managementmethods or treatments are assessed. These can includecultural, biological, physical, mechanical, behavioral, orchemical methods. The goal is to adequately controlpests with minimal impact on the environment.

6. Evaluation: The effectiveness of pest managementactivity is assessed.

Pest Prevention 1. Pest Prevention is important because avoiding pestproblems is often more economical and gives better andlonger-term results than does relying on treatments. Reducing pest problems through preventative steps alsomakes any pest treatments undertaken more effective, ifindeed they are required. Cultural or physical controlmethods could be considered preventative. This wouldinclude selecting disease- or insect-resistant plants,managing growing conditions to produce healthy plants,cleaning to eliminate food sources for pests, orscreening buildings to keep out pests.

Pest Identification 2. Pest Identification, which involves the correctidentification of pests, minimizes the chance thatbeneficial species will be mistaken for problem ones.

If an unknown pest is causing a problem, then it shouldbe identified BEFORE a customer undertakes activity tocontrol it. The key to planning a successful pest controlprogram involves knowing the life cycle of the pest andthe conditions that favour its development.

Pest Management 8-4

Similarly, proper identification can indicate whentreatments are not required (e.g., if certain beneficialspecies are present in sufficient numbers).

Learning about the pest will help your customers:< plan an effective prevention program; < know what to look for and where to look to assess a

problem; and< apply controls at the right time and place to be most

effective.

If you or your customer cannot identify a pest, helpshould be obtained so that a correct identification can bemade. Information on pest and beneficial speciesidentification and biology are available from: < government or scientific publications;< government or other diagnostic services, including

pest monitoring service firms;< pest control representatives (e.g., pest management

firms, technicians, pesticide company sales/technicalreps, etc.);

< government pest management specialists;< universities and colleges; and< local Internet or other electronic references.

Referenceinformation only

Knowledge of the biology of pests and beneficial species willhelp when making management decisions. Importantbiological information includes the following:

< knowing the life cycle and stages of growth of thepest allows treatments to be made when the pest ismost susceptible (there may only be a very shortwindow of time during which a treatment will beeffective);

< knowing how rapidly the pest species reproduceshelps determine the timing and number oftreatments;

Pest Management 8-5

< knowing how rapidly beneficial species reproducehelps in deciding whether treatments may berequired;

< the life cycle of the host may be important sincecertain treatments can harm the host if applied atthe wrong stage; and

< the behaviour of the pest may influence the timing orchoice of a treatment (e.g., the pest may only bepresent at certain times of the day or night or incertain locations).

Pest Monitoringand FieldScouting

3. Pest monitoring and field scouting are a vital part ofIPM. When making pest management decisions, propermonitoring can provide information about pestpopulations and sites (e.g., the need for treatments andwhen they will be most effective).

Pest Monitoring As a vendor, you should advise your customers that in theAtlantic Region provincial and federal agencies conduct pestmonitoring programs for specific pests in important crops.They frequently issue status reports and predict infestationlevels to assist producers to make pest managementdecisions. The nature of the monitoring program varies withthe pest and the crop involved.

A good monitoring program can :< significantly reduce the need for treatments;< improve the success of pest management programs;

and< reduce treatment costs.

You should advise your customers to do regularinspections to find out the extent of a pest problem. Regular inspection can also indicate whether a problemis getting better or worse. A basic monitoring programwill involve a regular (daily or weekly) visualinspection, coupled with the taking of notes. Plantdamage might indicate that the pests that caused the

Pest Management 8-6

damage are gone. In this case a treatment will not berequired. Therefore, even a small amount of time spentby your customers on monitoring can pay off byshowing whether or not there is still a need fortreatment.

Sampling tools to aid with monitoring, such as insecttraps, sticky boards, etc., are available. You shouldadvise your customers to make frequent, close, visualexaminations to: < detect problems while pest numbers are still low and

easier to control; < assess the size of the pest population and the extent

of damage;< identify beneficial organisms present;< identify conditions that contribute to the pest

problem; and< determine whether control treatments are working.


Monitoring consists of making regular inspections andwriting down the results (making records). Monitoringincludes checking, and often counting, to determine:< pest damage;< pest presence, species, and abundance (does the pest

population exceed the injury threshold?);< weather conditions (do they favour pest development,

such as diseases?);< the pest’s life stage (is it at a stage susceptible to a

particular management method?);< the host's stage and condition (is it suitable for the

management action being considered?); and< beneficial organism presence, species, and abundance

(are there enough to keep the pest population below theinjury threshold?).

Pest Management 8-7

In addition to monitoring for the pest itself, it is important toalso monitor the presence of beneficial predator and/orpollinator insects and to record (or have ready access to)local weather conditions. The presence of large numbers ofbeneficial predators is a key consideration when makingdecisions about insecticide applications. Likewise, thepresence and activity of pollinators should be confirmed sothat the most appropriate insecticide can be chosen and theapplication timed to minimize harm to the beneficial species.

Daily weather patterns, especially temperature, rainfall, andhumidity, can have a significant impact on the spread andvirulence of plant pathogens, so accurate weather recordsare very useful in predicting the seriousness of diseaseoutbreaks and making decisions about fungicideapplications. On a seasonal basis, weather also plays a rolein determining the development of insect and weedinfestations.

Field Scouting Informed decisions about the application of pest managementmeasures in a particular field require careful and timelymonitoring within the field itself. Traditionally this has oftendone by the farmer, but more and more frequently producersare coming to rely on the services of professionally trainedcrop scouts to carry out this task and to providerecommendations on necessary control measures when theyare warranted.

As a vendor, you should be aware of field scouting servicesavailable within your region, and be prepared to advise yourcustomers of the services offered for the crops grown.


Careful and appropriate scouting of a field is essential togain an accurate picture of the pest problem and to estimateits potential severity. Specific scouting techniques varyconsiderably, depending upon the crop, the pest, and theirstages of development.

Pest Management 8-8

Scouting for weed pestsThe goal is to assess the severity of known weed species and toprovide early warning of new species that may be invading.When scouting for the latter, note species present in fieldmargins and other adjacent non-cropped areas. Scout fields inadvance of potential herbicide application windows(pre-seeding, early post-emergent, pre-harvest, post-harvest,late fall).

Scouting for insect pestsThe goals are to identify the insects present in order todetermine which, if any, may present a problem and to assesstheir numbers and the extent of damage already caused.Assessments may be based on insect numbers and the stage ofinsect/crop development or the extent of crop damage,depending on the species. Assess populations of highly mobileinsects by estimating their number per square metre. Insectswith limited mobility can be counted by pulling plants andshaking the insects off onto the ground or a small ground sheet.Sampling for small, mobile, difficult-to-see insects is best donewith a sweep net. Infestations can be estimated indirectly byexamining roots, crowns, leaves, stems, and seeds for signs ofinsect damage. Pheromone, light, or stick traps are used totrap adult insects and the results used to estimate the potentialdamage that may be caused by the next generation.

Scouting for diseasesGreat care must be taken in the gathering of samples so that adisease is not further spread to other areas of the field. Manyfactors can cause plant reactions that resemble diseasesymptoms. Examine roots, crowns, stems, leaves, fruits, andseeds for symptoms. In many cases, only a qualified diagnosticlab can make accurate diagnosis. Where seed- borne diseasesare a concern, a sample of each seed lot should be submitted toan accredited seed diagnostic laboratory to determine the levelof infection.

Pest Management 8-9

Injury and ActionThresholds

4. Injury and action thresholds are used to decide when toapply control treatments.

The injury threshold, sometimes called the injury level,occurs when a pest population reaches numbers such thatit causes unacceptable, nuisance, injury, or damagesufficient to justify treatment.

The action threshold, sometimes called the treatmentthreshold or action or treatment level, is the point at whichtreatment should take place in order to prevent the pestpopulation from reaching the injury threshold.

Action and Injury Thresholds

Deciding when to take action and apply a treatment isbased on information obtained by regularly monitoring thepest situation. The key idea is that treatments are madeonly when and where monitoring shows they are needed.They are not made on a pre-set schedule. This also helpsto ensure that a pesticide will not be used just because itis a certain time of year.

To establish injury and action thresholds, pest managerscan access information available from:< government and scientific publications;< pest management specialists;< universities or colleges; and< grower organizations.

Pest Management 8-10

ManagementMethods

5. IPM involves using all available information to select thebest management methods and then apply them in aco-ordinated approach. As a vendor, you should advisecustomers that specific information about managementmethods for different pests is available through extensionspecialists, government publications, colleges, anduniversities. Most treatments fall into the followinggeneral methods:

Cultural method - includes treatments that can prevent pestsfrom developing or spreading. They typically disrupt the pestor host life cycle, or make the environment less favourable forsurvival of the pest. Your customers can apply cultural methodsby:< rotating crops;< tilling the soil;< providing optimum growing conditions;< implementing sanitation practices;< removing food or shelter for the pests; and< planting genetically improved or pest-resistant varieties.An example would be to only plant certified seed that has beenproven to be able to resist diseases or to do crop rotation.

Legal method - laws may limit the development of pestpopulations by restricting human activities (e.g., quarantine,import/export of plant material, etc.).

Mechanical/physical method - includes treatments that useequipment, devices, or the manipulation of environmentalfactors such as temperature and humidity to prevent the spreadof pests or reduce pest populations. This category includes theuse of mechanical cultivators, mowers and brushing equipment,traps, screens, vacuums, freezing, heat applicators, and soundand other repellent devices.


Biological method - includes treatments that use livingorganisms to control or kill the pest. Biological treatmentsinclude:< introducing predators, parasites, or micro-organisms to

attack pests;< conserving naturally occurring predators and parasites;

and< using grazing animals to consume weeds.

The use of parasites or predators involves careful planning sincethese are effective only at certain locations and times. They canalso have an impact on plant or animal species that are notpests.

Genetic method - involves the protection of the host and/orcontrol of the pest by using organisms having special genetictraits (e.g., resistance to disease).

Behavioural method - includes treatments that take advantageof a pest's natural behaviour to suppress the population. Theseinclude using natural pheromones (which are chemicalsproduced by insects to repel or attract other insects of the samespecies) to disrupt mating patterns or to attract pests to a trap,or releasing sterile males to inhibit pest reproduction.

Chemical method - includes treatments that use naturallyderived or synthesized pesticides to kill, attract, repel, or alterthe growth of pests.

Selection of Management Methods


Pesticide Types If the applicator has chosen chemical control, the followingare some terms that should be understood.

Selective pesticides are toxic to some pests, but have little orno effect on other pests or non-target organisms.

Non-selective pesticides are toxic to a wide range of pests,beneficial species, and other non-target organisms.

Residual pesticides continue to be effective on a treatedsurface or in the treated area for an extended period followingapplication (long-term control).

Persistent pesticides remain active in the environment for along time. Sometimes they can accumulate in animal or planttissues.

Non-persistent pesticides do not remain active in theenvironment for more than 1 year.

Evaluation ofResults

6. Evaluation is necessary to assess the effectiveness of apest control treatment. Evaluation involves:

< making post-treatment observations on pests andnon-targetorganisms;

< comparing post-treatment observations withpre-treatment monitoring records to determine treatmenteffects;

< reviewing treatment records, including methods, dates,times, rates, costs, etc.;

< obtain feedback from clients or site users, if possible,about treatment effectiveness; and

< identifying any possible improvements to pestmanagement, including preventative actions that couldbe taken.


Perennials (e.g.,crab grass, quack grass ) are often themost difficult weed type to control.

Pest Types

Weeds A weed is a plant that grows where it is not wanted. Weedsbecome a pest when they:< compete with cultivated plants (e.g., potatoes, cereal

grains, vegetables, lawn grass) for light, water, andnutrients;

< reduce crop yields;< harm people, pets, or livestock;< are alternate hosts for other pests;< are aesthetically unpleasing; or< affect structures or equipment.

Weed Types Annual weeds complete their life cycle within 1 year. Thismeans that in 1 year, they will germinate from a seed, grow,flower, produce more seeds, and then die. Most annualsproduce many seeds to ensure their survival. Annuals can bedivided into two main groups; summer annuals that germinatein the spring, and winter annuals that germinate in the fall.

Biennial weeds live more than 1 year but less than 2 years. They grow from seeds that typically germinate in the spring. The first year they store food, usually in short fleshy roots,and produce only leaves. The following season the plant usesthe stored food and grows vigorously, produces seeds in thesummer or fall, and then dies.

Perennial weeds live more than 2 years. Often no seed isproduced the first year; thereafter seeds can occur every yearfor the life of the plant. Almost all perennial weeds spread byseed. Many also spread via other plant parts such as creepingstems; rhizomes (a root-like underground stem); undergroundbulbs; or a broken piece of root. Perennial weeds can be shallow rooted or deep rooted.


Weed Identification Weeds need to be identified in order to determine the bestway to control them. If you or your customers are not able topositively identify a weed, you should advise them to obtainassistance from a weed control specialist.

Identifying leaf stagesIt is important for an applicator to have correctlyidentified desirable plant (crop, turf) and weed leafstages because some herbicide labels refer to these fortiming of the pesticide application. Often, herbicides areonly effective when desirable plants and weeds are atcertain stages of growth. For example, a herbicide labelmay recommend application at the three-leaf or trifoliatestage. Use of the herbicide before or after this stage willreduce its effectiveness and could result in poor weedcontrol and/or injury to crops. Regular monitoring ofthe growth of weeds and surrounding plants can help toensure that herbicides are not applied past the stagewhen they will be effective. Vendors should advise theircustomers, if necessary, to obtain assistance from weedcontrol specialists when attempting to identify leafstages.

Weed Management Direct your customers to a qualified specialist if they need toobtain assistance on weed control options. Examples ofmanagement options include the following:

Cultural control, which emphasizes competition todiscourage weeds, includes:< use of nurse or companion crops (a fast-growing crop

planted along with a slower growing crop to competewith the weeds. The nurse crop can be mowed when theslower crop is established); and

< increasing the ability of desired plants to competeagainst weeds by using good cultural practices (e.g.,optimum fertilizer rates, watering, etc.).

Mechanical (physical) control, which disrupts weeds,includes:


< cutting weed tops prior to seed production;< tillage and band weeding;< mowing, burning, or other sanitation practices; and< using mulch to suppress seed germination.

Biological control includes:< grazing a field prior to weeds going to seed; and< releasing pest-specific insects or other natural agents.

Chemical control includes the use of pesticides, typicallyherbicides or plant growth regulators.

Herbicides Herbicides are classified according to selectivity, mode ofaction, timing of application, and residual effectiveness.

Selectivity Selectivity explains what plants will be controlled.

A selective herbicide will kill or damage certain plants,but not others. For example, a herbicide registered forweed control in a lawn will control broadleaf weeds butnot the grass itself (e.g., Killex).

A non-selective herbicide will kill or damage all of theplants (grass and broadleaf weeds) in a treated area (e.g.,Roundup).

Some herbicides are both selective and non-selectivedepending upon their rate of application (e.g., the activeingredient, glyphosate when used in forestry).

Mode of Action Mode of action explains how the herbicide kills a plant.

Contact herbicides kill plant parts contacted by thechemical. They are very effective against annual weeds,but only "burn off” the tops of perennial weeds. Theyexhibit very little or no movement within the plant itself. This makes them less effective than systemic herbicidesfor control of biennial and perennial weeds, as theproduct usually does not penetrate to the roots.


A contact herbicide must remain on the plant for sometime. They will not be effective if they are washed offby rain or if the treated leaves are mowed too soonfollowing treatment. Reglone (with the active ingredientdiquat) is an example of a contact herbicide.Systemic herbicides enter the roots or above-groundparts of plants and move throughout the plant. Controlmay not become visible for a week or more aftertreatment. They are very effective in controllingperennial weeds as they kill the entire plant, includingthe root. A product containing the active ingredient 2,4-D is an example of a systemic herbicide. Roundup isanother example of a systemic herbicide.

If too much of a systemic herbicide is applied to theleaves, it may kill the leaf cells too quickly and preventtranslocation to the site of action in a plant.

Timing Timing of application refers to the growth stage of a weedwhen control can be successfully undertaken.

Herbicides are applied at different stages of weed growth.You should direct your customers to read the product label forthe most effective and safest time to apply any herbicide.

Pre-plant herbicides are applied to the soil beforeseeding or transplanting. Some pre-plant herbicides arevolatile and need to be incorporated directly into thesoil. These are called pre-plant soil-incorporatedtreatments.

Pre-emergence herbicides are applied to the soil afterplanting, but before the emergence of the planted seed orthe weeds. Pre-emergence may refer to thegermination of either the weed or the crop.Pre-emergence herbicides control weeds before, or soonafter, they begin to grow.


Post-emergence herbicides are applied after the plantedseed and weeds have begun to grow. These pesticideswill control established weeds. The application can besoon after emergence or up to a specific plant height orleaf number. Atrazine, a herbicide used to controlweeds in corn crops, is an example of a post-emergentherbicide.

Residual Effectiveness Residual effectiveness refers to the length of time over whicha pesticide can remain effective.

Non-residual herbicides quickly break down in the soilafter application and do not affect future crops. Theywill control only those weeds that are present. Weedsthat germinate after the application of a non-residualherbicide will not be controlled.

Residual herbicides do not break down quickly and can control weeds for several weeks to several yearsafter application. They can also limit the crop type thatcan be grown the following year.

Soil sterilants are non-selective residual herbicides thatare applied to soil to prevent the growth of plants for along period of time (i.e., a few months to many years). Vendors should be familiar with these products and beprepared to advise customers before they purchase them.

Plant GrowthRegulators

Plant growth regulators are used to change (speed up, slowdown, or stop) the vegetative or reproductive growth ofplants. These pesticides are most commonly used bygreenhouse operators to control plant size or encourageflowering.

Insects andMites

There are many different insects and mites. Most insects arebeneficial. However, a few are considered to be pests when


they become a nuisance to people or pets, damage property orgarden plants, or carry disease.

Differences Insects Mites

Pair of antennae 1 None

Sets of legs 3 4

Skeleton exoskeleton exoskeleton

Body segments 3 2

Life Cycles Insects and mites, which change as they grow and mature, gothrough different life stages. The stages are either: < egg, larva, pupa, and adult, or < egg, nymph, and adult.

Three Life Stages

Four Life Stages

Pest control is specific to the stage of growth. The bestcontrol is usually achieved during the early stages (young,

Aphid Lifecycle

Moth Lifecycle


nymph, or larva). Eggs and pupa are not affected by mostinsecticides and miticides. For more information on lifecycles, you should advise your customers to contactappropriate insect specialists.

Management Various methods are used to control insects and mites. Theseinclude:< exclusion;< cultural;< mechanical/physical;< biological;< insect pheromone methods;< genetic; and< chemical (pesticide).

Your customers should understand that it is important toknow the best management methods for each pest if they areto plan a good control program. For example, the parasitesand predators of a pest must be known if they are to be usedto control a pest.

Insecticides andMiticides

Selectivity

Insecticides and miticides are often classified according totheir selectivity, mode of action, and residual effectiveness.

Selective insecticides control only certain insects ormites, and generally do not harm non-target organisms.

Non-selective insecticides control all insects, mites, orboth in a treatment area.

Mode of Action Contact insecticides must come in contact with the pestto be effective. They can be applied to the pest or to thesurfaces that a pest would be expected to touch. Somecontact insecticides have a residual effect and cancontrol the pest for some time after application.

Systemic insecticides enter plants or animals and flowin the sap or blood. Pests that suck the sap or blood are


then killed by the insecticide it contains. Someinsecticides are both systemic and contact.

Stomach poisons must be swallowed by the pests to beeffective. They are usually applied to the pests’ foodand then eaten. Sometimes, stomach poisons are mixedwith food to form a poisonous bait.

Suffocating insecticides (oils or soaps) typically clog apest’s breathing system, but they can also affect eggsurvival.

Residual Effectiveness Some insecticides have a short (1 to 2 day) residual period ofeffectiveness; others have long residual periods ofeffectiveness (several weeks or more). Residual insecticidescontrol undesired insects for a longer period of time.

Insecticide types Fumigants are insecticides that work in a gaseous form. Fumigants are often used to kill pests in enclosed spaces or insoil, where they breathe in the poisonous fumes.

Growth regulators act like an insect's own growth hormones. They disrupt the normal development of the insect, and it diesbefore it becomes an adult or before it can reproduce.

Silica dusts or gels are inert powders that control crawlingpests by abrading their bodies, thereby causing them to loosebody fluids and die. Contact insecticides are sometimesmixed with these powders.

Attractants are insecticides that can attract female insects foregg laying, or attract male insects to artificial female traps.

Repellents are insecticides that repel insects, and thus keepthem away from their hosts. Repellents are typically usedagainst mosquitoes and other biting flies.


Sticky pastes are placed on traps that attract pests. Chemicalattractants or colours are used to attract the insects to the trap. Once trapped, the pest cannot cause damage. Sticky pastesare also used as barriers to restrict the movement of crawlingpests or to determine insect populations.

Microbial insecticides are selective insecticides that containmicrobes (tiny organisms, e.g., Bacillus thuringiensis). Generally, they are sprayed on plants. After they are eaten,the microbe or a poison the microbe produces, kills the targetinsects. One positive characteristic of a microbial pesticide isthat it is typically only poisonous to selected insects.Application early in the development stage of the insect isoften most effective.

Slugs and Snails Slugs and snails are soft bodied animals that reproduce bylaying eggs. They become pests when they damage plants,feed, or food, or when they carry diseases that affect people oranimals.

Management MolluscicidesSlugs and snails are first attracted by the odour of themolluscicide, and then are killed after eating it. It is importantto advise your customers that these pesticides are quite toxicand must be kept away from children, pets, birds, or wildlife.

Diseases A healthy plant can become diseased when subjected todramatic changes in its environment or life functions. Diseasesymptoms are caused by environmental stress, herbicidedamage, insect damage, and/or microorganism infections(e.g., fungi, bacteria, virus, nematodes, etc.). It is importantthat you advise your customers to correctly identify the causeof the symptoms so that an effective treatment can be chosen.

Causes Causes of disease can include the following:


Environmental stress. Unfavourable environmentalconditions, which stress plants and cause abnormalgrowth or disease-like symptoms, include extremes oflight, temperature, water, or nutrients, as well as toxicchemicals (e.g., air pollutants). Plants weakened byenvironmental stress are more likely to be infested bypests. Recognizing and relieving the stress will helpprevent infectious diseases.

Herbicide damage. Such damage usually occurs overlarge areas (treated areas), injuring and/or killing wantedand unwanted vegetation.

Insect damage. This damage generally occurs inisolated areas when insects eat foliage or suck plantjuices, thereby weakening the plant or causingundesirable changes.

Pest infections. Micro organisms, including fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes, can cause variousdiseases. Micro organisms become a pest when theydamage desirable plants. Identification is usually basedon visual symptoms.

Types Types of diseases include:

Fungi, the largest group of organisms that cause plantdiseases, feed on living or decaying tissue. This groupincludes moulds, mushrooms, and rusts. Most fungireproduce by tiny spores, which are usually moved bywind or water to land on a host plant. Some fungi (e.g.,rusts) need two different hosts to survive and reproduce.

Some symptoms that can be caused by fungi includecankers, dieback, galls, leaf spot, rots, rusts, and wilts.Customers should understand that the movement ofinfected plants, plant parts, and soil can spread thefungus.


Bacteria, or single-celled organisms that can only beseen with a microscope, cause some major plantdiseases. Bacteria are spread by wind and rain, byground or surface water, or by contact withcontaminated animals or equipment. They usually entera plant through natural openings or wounds. Underfavourable conditions, bacteria reproduce very quickly,using the plant as a source of food.

Viruses cannot be seen with an ordinary microscope, yetthey can cause diseases that reduce plant vigour andcrop yields. They reproduce only when they enter livingcells and can be spread by mechanical means (e.g.,during pruning or harvesting); in propagation material(seeds, tubers, and other plant parts); or by vectors(insects, mites, nematodes, and fungi). Mosaics,ringspot, and leaf roll are examples of diseases causedby viruses.

No pesticides are available to control viruses directly. However, some insecticides can be used to control virusvectors.

Nematodes are small worm-like organisms that feed onplant roots, stems, and leaves. They can effect themovement of water and nutrients in a plant, and they cancreate wounds that allow fungi or bacteria to enter. Some symptoms that can be caused by nematodes arewilting, stunting, lack of vigour, and growth deformities.

Management Three conditions must he present for a pathogenic disease todevelop. These are:< a disease-causing organism (pathogen);< a host susceptible to the disease; and< an environment favourable to the disease organism

and/or unfavourable to the host.


Three conditions for a disease

Taking away or changing any one of these three conditionswill control the disease. For example, a disease problem canbe prevented by:< keeping the organism out of an area; < using strains of plants that are resistant to, or are not

affected by, the discase; < reducing the population of disease causing organisms; or

< manipulating the environment to favour the host but notthe pathogen.

Chemical control of disease-causing organisms can involvethe use of fungicides, bactericides, and nematicides. For moreinformation, customers should be referred to disease controlspecialists.

Fungicides Fungicides are often described according to how they work(mode of action).

Protectants Protectant fungicides provide a protective film offungicide on, or around, the host to prevent fungusspores from germinating.

Fungi are most vulnerable to fungicides betweengermination and infection. After the plant is infected thefungicide normally will not kill the fungi inside the


plant, but it may protect the plant from more infection. Repeated pesticide applications are required since anynew plant growth is not protected.

Eradicants Eradicant fungicides kill fungus organisms that havealready infected the plant, but have not become wellestablished within the plant. Eradicant fungicides havelimited value when fungi are well established withinplants.

Systemics Systemic fungicides are absorbed by plants and movewithin them. They can act as protectants, eradicants, orboth. Once inside the plant, systemic fungicides moveto new areas of plant growth.

Bactericides Bactericides are chemicals that are toxic to bacteria. Theykill bacteria on contact and must be used before the bacteriainfect a plant.

Nematicides Nematicides move through the soil as a gas, or via soil water,and depend on the presence of spaces between the soilparticles for their movement.

Fumigants Fumigants are chemicals, in the gaseous state, that movethrough the air spaces between soil particles in sufficientquantities to be lethal to a pest organism.

Vertebrate Pests Vertebrate pests typically include birds, rodents, rabbits, andregional pests such as bats, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, etc. These animals become pests when they damage property orwhen they carry disease.


You should be aware of, and be prepared to advise yourcustomers on, the importance of knowing vertebrate pestbehaviour and biology because it is important in determining:< the most effective control methods;< the best time to implement the control; and< the best location for control (e.g., traps, repellents, or

poisoned baits). For more information, you should refer your customers toappropriate specialists.

Provincial and/or federal legislation for the protection ofwildlife can prevent the destruction of some pests. As aminimum, a permit may be required for their control. You should advise your customers to contact an animal control specialist in the case of a pest problem.

Management Vertebrate pests can be managed or controlled by:< excluding them from a feeding or breeding location;< destroying or changing their habitat;< encouraging natural predators;< repelling or frightening them away;< shooting or trapping;< poisoning them with pesticides (e.g., avicides,

rodenticides); or< preventing pest reproduction with chemosterilants.

Legal Status Customers should check with provincial authorities aboutlaws that could affect vertebrate control programs. Provincialand/or federal legislation for the protection of wildlife mayprevent the destruction of some pests or special permits maybe required for their control. Shooting, trapping, or the use ofpesticides may be limited to specified times of the year orspecified locations.


Vendors must advise their customers to carefully readthe label before using any rodenticide, as cats and dogsare highly susceptible to these pest control products.

Pesticide Control Pesticides used for vertebrate control include the following:

Birds Chemosterilant avicides reduce bird populations byinhibiting reproduction.

Bird repellents may be non-poisonous or poisonous to birds. < Non-poisonous repellents are sticky and irritate the

bird. They are usually placed on exterior ledges,windowsills, beams, and places where birds are notwanted. Noise making devices, visual devices, andglue-paste materials also act as repellents.

< Poisonous repellents, when eaten by birds, make thebirds act strangely. The birds' strange behaviour thenrepels other birds.

Rodents Rodenticides commonly used include:Acute rodenticides, which kill rodents after onefeeding.

Anticoagulant rodenticides, which cause internal orexternal bleeding and death after they are eaten. Theseare available as single-dose rodenticides, which involveonly a single feeding or multiple-dose products, whichneed several feedings over several days.

Animal repellants, which are used to keep animal pestsaway from plants or buildings.

Fish Piscicides are used to kill fish in bodies of water. Vendorsmust advise their customers to consult with provincialpesticide regulatory authorities before they purchase or usethese products.


Failure to follow label rate recommendations is illegaland may speed-up the development of pest resistance.

Animals

Fumigants are poisonous gases used to kill burrowingrodents, gophers, and ground squirrels.

Animal repellants are used to keep animal pests away fromplants, buildings, or other treated areas.

Pesticide Resistance

Pesticide resistance describes the situation that occurs when aportion of a pest species is able to survive a pesticide dosethat had previously been successful in controlling the species.

Because of a genetic difference, a resistant pest populationcan develop that is not affected by or is resistant to theparticular pesticide. When these pests reproduce, they passon their resistant trait(s). When one particular pesticide isused repeatedly on such a population, the susceptibleindividuals are eliminated while the resistant ones continue toreproduce and become dominant.

After a pest population develops resistance to a pesticide, theeffectiveness of other closely related pesticides may also bereduced. Some applicators may attempt to achieve control ofthe pest by increasing the pesticide application rate, but thiswill result in increased selection pressure and hence willspeed up the development of resistance. There is alsoevidence to suggest that the repeated use of pesticides withthe same mode of action will, sooner or later, result in theappearance of a resistant organism.

Pesticide Application 9-1

Pesticide Application 9Introduction Once a customer has identified a pest, their attention

commonly focuses on how to deal with its control. As notedearlier there are various control options, including the use ofa pesticide.

To be effective, a pesticide must be applied properly, whichmeans following label directions and using the right equipment. Your customer will also need to know how muchpesticide to purchase. This chapter presents information thatwill help you to assist them in the proper application of apesticide.

LearningObjectives

Completion of this chapter will help you to:< Assist a customer in choosing the correct application

equipment< Assist a customer with the calibration of basic

application equipment< Identify environmental factors that can affect a pesticide

application< Understand and explain the importance of maintaining

application equipment < Help a customer determine the size of an application

area< Apply information from the label to assist a customer to

determine the amount of pesticide to purchase< Apply information from the label to assist a customer

with preparing a proper tank pesticide mix


ApplicationEquipment

Some pesticides are ready-to-use directly from the containerin which they are sold. These pesticides are already mixed,require no further dilution, and are ideal for a customer with aminor pest problem. They also eliminate the need tounderstand mixing instructions, and storage of leftoverconcentrated pesticide. Ready-to-use products include:< ant traps;< bait boxes;< aerosol cans;< trigger sprayers; and< dust cans. For other products, your customer must select appropriateapplication equipment.

Application equipment should apply the pesticide uniformlyand at the correct rate for the desired target pest. Also, itshould not contaminate non-target areas. The equipmentmust therefore:< be selected carefully;< have the proper components;< be operated correctly;< be calibrated accurately; and< be properly maintained.

EquipmentSelection

A variety of equipment is available for the application ofpesticides (back pack sprayers, tractor driven boom sprayers,in-furrow injection applicators, etc.). Customers shouldchoose equipment that best suits:< the size of area to be treated;< the pest to be controlled;< the pesticide formulation selected for use; and/or < the label recommended method of application.

EquipmentOperation

You should be able to assist your customers with the interpretation of label instructions for application rates. Youshould also be able to advise them regarding the operation of


application equipment in a manner consistent with theinstructions on a pesticide label.

Amount ofPesticide toPurchase

As a vendor, you should be able to assist your customers incalculating how much pesticide they will need to purchase tocomplete an application.

Label Directions The “Directions for Use” section of any pesticide labelindicates how much pesticide should be applied. For ready-to-use formulations, the label will recommend the amount offormulated pesticide that is to be applied per area or volume(recommended pesticide rate).

Calculations using “amount per unit area”

Some pesticide labels state the amount of product that shouldbe applied per unit area. For example, apply 25 L per hectarefor a liquid spray or 25 kg per hectare for a granularpesticide. If a customer knows the size of the area to betreated (in hectares), calculating the amount of pesticide tobuy can be done by using the simple ratio calculation below. Always check the label to make sure the customer is usingthe correct application rate. Application rates can vary fromcrop to crop and from pest to pest.

Example: liquid pesticide

The treatment area is 10 hectares. The label states that theapplication rate is 2.5 L of pesticide per hectare to be treated.

What is the total amount of pesticide required to treat 10hectares?

Example of calculations: To treat 1 hectare will require 2.5 L

Therefore, to treat 4 hectares will require 2.5 L X 4 = 10 L


A customer would need to purchase one, 10-litre container ofpesticide.

Calculations using “dilution ratios”

When a pesticide concentrate is used, the customer must beable to calculate the correct amount of concentrate to mixwith the water in the application equipment. Many pesticidelabels give the application rate in the form of a “dilutionratio”, such as apply 1.5 L of formulated product per 100 Lof water.

The label may specify adding a certain amount of pesticideconcentrate to make a given quantity of spray mix. Thecustomer must calculate how much concentrate should beused to make up the total quantity of mix needed.

The following example shows how to calculate the amount ofconcentrate needed to make 400 litres of spray.

Example: liquid pesticideA pesticide label says mix 1.5 L of product in 100 L of water. The spray tank is 400 L in size. How much concentrateshould be added to make 400 L of spray in the tank?

100 L of water requires 1.5L of the pesticide.

Therefore: 1 L of water requires 1.5L/100= 0.015L

400 L of water will require 400 X 0.015 L = 6L of the pesticide.

Advise your customers that the proper mixing procedure isto: < partially fill the sprayer with water; < add 6 L of pesticide; < continue to fill the sprayer with water to the 400L mark;

and < agitate for a uniform mix.


The customer would need to purchase:( 2.2 L/ha X 6.3 ha) = 13.9 L to do the treatment.

You should ensure that your customers understand that, priorto use, application equipment may need to be calibrated if itis to deliver the correct amount of pesticide mix. The outputof a sprayer is referred to as the calibrated sprayer output.

Calibration Calibration procedures for specific application equipmentmay be outlined in the operator manual or recommended byindustry or government specialists. To calculate how much total pesticide the customer will need to purchase, one canmultiply the amount of formulated product by the size of thearea to be treated.

Example When applying a particular pesticide, the label directionsindicate an application rate of 2.2 L of liquid concentrate perhectare. The customer has calculated the size of the area tobe treated to be 6.3 hectares.

For formulations that are diluted, the label will recommend:< the amount of formulated pesticide that is to be applied

per area or volume (recommended pesticide rate), or< the amount of diluent or carrier that is to be applied per

area or volume (recommended sprayer output).

NOTE: The terminology used to describe these rates varieswidely on labels.

Vendors should ensure that their customers understand thatprior to use, application equipment must be calibrated so thatit will deliver the correct amount of sprayer mixtures. Theoutput of a sprayer is referred to as the calibrated sprayeroutput.


Equipment that is not properly calibrated will applythe pesticide at an incorrect rate or in a non-uniformdistribution, thereby resulting in areas of over, orunder, application.

EquipmentCalibration

Calibration can be defined as checking and adjusting thedelivery rate of application equipment. Calibrationprocedures for specific application equipment may beoutlined in the operator manual or recommended by industryor government specialists. Properly calibrated and operatedequipment will deliver the correct amount of pesticide, andin a uniform distribution, to the treatment area. There aremany different calibration procedures. Always advise yourcustomers to use an accurate calibration method suited to thetype of application equipment being used.

As a minimum, pesticide application equipment should becalibrated:< before being used for the first time;< when parts have been replaced (e.g., nozzles, pump,

hoses);< at the start of each new season;< periodically throughout the season; and< when the equipment’s output has changed (e.g., change

in pressure, nozzles, etc.).

Over-application of a pesticide can result in:< increased application costs;< damage to the application site;< damage to the environment;< increased applicator or bystander exposure; and< excessive pesticide residues.


Under-application of a pesticide can result in:< poor control of the pest;< a need to re-treat the area (increased application time

and costs); and< the development of resistant strains of a pest.

Calibration Method A simple method whereby a customer can calibrate sprayeroutput is to:< mark out 1 hectare (an area 100 m x 100 m = 10,000 sq

m = 1 ha);< fill the spray tank with water to a set mark;< spray the measured hectare at the same speed, pump

pressure, etc., as for the intended application;< measure the amount of water needed to refill the sprayer

to the original mark on the tank (e.g., 40 litres).< Since a hectare was sprayed, this volume (in this case,

40 litres) is the calibrated sprayer output or delivery rateper hectare of the equipment.

Note If the label indicates that the pesticide should be applied at arate of 2.2 L of liquid concentrate in 30 L to 60 L of waterper hectare, and it took 40 L of water to refill the tank to themark, (the calculated sprayer output is 40 L/ha), then there isno further adjustment required to the equipment (speed oftravel, pump pressure, etc.). This is because the 40 L/ha isbetween the label recommended rate of 30 L and 60 L ofwater per hectare.

Application of a pesticide in excess oflabel rates is ILLEGAL.


This method cannot tell anything about the condition ordelivery rate of individual nozzles, or the uniformity ofdelivery across the spray swath.

For more detailed information on calibration, sprayerpressures, nozzle selection, equipment output, etc., vendorsshould direct their customers to contact their local equipmentdealer, or private or government sprayer calibration services.

Application RateTerminology

An application rate for a pesticide is sometimes presented asa word description on the label. You should be familiar withthis terminology and prepared to assist your customers in theinterpretation. Some examples are listed below.

Spray to wet surface: When a label says to "spray to wetsurfaces on plant leaves”, this means that enough pesticide isapplied to cause the surface to be damp or wet to the touch,but not to cause the pesticide to run, drip, or puddle.

Spray to drip: A label may indicate "spray to drip" or "sprayto run off." This means that the pesticide is to be applied untilspray droplets run together and start to drip off the plants.Spraying should be stopped just as the pesticide first beginsto drip off the plants.

Light dusting: Dusts should be applied in a very fine layer.A "light dusting" means just enough to barely see a dustyeffect. This does not mean the dust is thick enough toobscure the surface. Thick dust can repel insects and whenapplied to plants, may also stop sunlight from reaching theleaves.

Broadcast treatment: When a pesticide is applied evenlyover an entire area it is termed a "broadcast treatment." Anexample is treating an entire lawn for a broad-leaved weedinfestation using a selective herbicide.

Spot treatment: A "spot treatment" is just what the nameimplies. A pesticide is applied to small, specific areas. Thiscan be to an individual plant or an area less than 20 cm2 in


size. For example, a lawn with a light infestation ofdandelions could be spot-treated with a herbicide. Theherbicide is applied only to the individual weeds, rather thantreating the whole lawn. This saves pesticide and helpsprotect the environment.

For more detailed information on calibration, sprayerpressures, nozzle selection, equipment output, etc., directyour customers to contact their local equipment vendor.

EquipmentMaintenance

For equipment to operate correctly, it must be properlymaintained. If a customer undertakes regular maintenancethey will:< increase the life of the equipment;< reduce the chance of leaks and spills;< reduce the chance of equipment failure; and< prevent cross contamination of pesticides.

Advise your customers to do the following before they add apesticide to application equipment:< rinse clean water through the tank, pump, hose, and

nozzle(s); < dispose of this wash water where it will not contaminate

the environment; < check and clean screens, strainers, and nozzles;< check the hose, seals, and clamps for wear; and < replace any worn or damaged parts.

Remind your customers to wear chemical resistant gloves anytime they are working around application equipment.

EnvironmentalConditions

Environmental factors, such as air movement, precipitation,relative humidity, and temperature, can affect pesticideapplications and/or pesticide effectiveness. Customersshould consider environmental conditions before applying apesticide.


Limitations on temperature and wind speed at the time ofapplication may be indicated on the pesticide label. Limitations are also defined under provincial legislation. You should refer your customers to the pesticide label or theprovincial pesticide regulatory authority for details (seeChapter 2: Legislation).

Emergency Response 10-1

Emergency Response 10Introduction There is a potential for risk associated with distributing,

transporting, or storing pesticides. As a vendor, you must beprepared for emergencies such as poisonings, minor or majoraccidents, spills, or fire. Steps to ensure that a pesticidevendor facility is as safe as possible for employees, thecommunity, and the environment include:< identification of all possible areas of risk;< implementation of measures designed to reduce these

risks; and< development and installation of a plan of action that

should minimize risk, if an accident does occur.

LearningObjectives

Completion of this chapter will help you to:< Prepare for and respond to a spill, a fire, or a theft

involving pesticides< Identify who to contact in case of a spill or fire

involving a pesticide< Take the required first aid steps to respond to different

types of pesticide poisoning

Risk andHazard

Risk can be described as the possibility or likelihood ofdanger or injury as a result of an activity. For example, the operation of a forklift when transporting pesticides off oronto a delivery truck involves an element of risk. Thepotential is there for an accident, so there is risk associatedwith this activity. Hazard, another factor to consider, focuses on the potential negative consequences of anaccident while doing the activity. In the example above, thehazard might be moderate, since product falling from theforklift could injure staff or contaminate the facility or the


environment. If the driver of the forklift is not adequatelytrained, the forklift not properly maintained, or the ramp istoo steep, then the risk (likelihood) of an accident occurringis higher. Your primary objective should be to take whateversteps are necessary to reduce risk to as low a level as possiblewithin your vendor facility.

Risk Assessment Reducing the risk associated with any pesticide vendor facility starts with doing a risk assessment or risk evaluationof the entire business. You should start by examining allproblem areas or activities that could potentially create anaccident or emergency. Then, consider the consequences ofthese problems. A risk assessment should help you answerthe question: “What are the unwanted events that could occurwhich could harm the employees, the business, theenvironment, or the community?”

You should not limit the assessment merely to pesticidestorage, display, receiving, or handling activities. A riskassessment should be conducted for the entire operation,including any activity that could lead to a fire, a spill, or aminor or major injury. Ultimately, the practice of riskassessment should provide you with ideas on how tominimize or even prevent the occurrence of possibleproblems.

You should examine the entire facility and prepare a list ofpossible emergency events and control mechanisms (seeTable 10.1).


Event Cause Control Mechanism

Minorinjury

Customer slipped on floornear display area.

Policy to immediately cleanup a spill and maintain cleanfloor

Spill Forklift tipped over Repair edge of the ramp

Fire Worn extension cord used tolight the display area

Establish a monthly checklist for all electrical items.

Vandalism After hours break-in Install adequate outdoorlighting, alarm systems, etc.

Majorinjury

Employee overcome withfumes while cleaning up a broken container in storagearea

Provide adequateventilation, clean up allspills, and provide andmaintain personal protectiveequipment.

Table 10.1 Risk assessment examples


Risk Reduction Once high risk areas have been identified, changes necessary to minimize the likelihood of an accident shouldbe undertaken. This can involve:< physical modifications to the storage facility. For

example:• increase the fire rating of walls and doors;• re-design loading ramps; or• install fire extinguishers.

< change the way the facility is operated. For example:• control access to storage areas;• establish monthly check lists;• train staff in first aid; or• improve operating procedures for handling

pesticides.

At the end of this exercise both the facility and its operationshould be as safe as possible.

EmergencyResponsePlanning

Accidents will always happen, so you must be preparedto respond to these events. An Emergency Response Plan(ERP) will help you and other employees to act quickly andeffectively when there is an emergency involving pesticides. The ERP should provide specific instructions for respondingto, and dealing with, the emergency events identified foryour facility. It should be designed to reduce the impact onthe facility, the employees, the community, the public, andthe environment.

The ERP can also be designed to reduce the possibility (orrisk) of an emergency occurring. The process of preparingan ERP often results in the prevention of emergenciesbecause workers learn to spot and control hazardousconditions before they cause serious problems. Planningalso ensures that the facility and emergency responseservices are properly equipped to handle the type of emergencies associated with the storage, handling, andtransport of pesticides.


It is important that a pesticide storage facility develop anEmergency Response Plan (ERP) for:< accidents causing minor or serious injury;< gas and odour release;< pesticide spills;< fires or explosions;< natural disasters (floods, ice storms); and< transport accidents.

Preparing anEmergencyResponse Plan

Vendor facilities typically involve stationary sites, such assales outlets and storage depots. The development of anERP will depend on the type of emergency anticipated, thesize of the operation, the availability of emergency responseservices, the site location, etc. The steps necessary toprepare an emergency response plan for a facility include:

1. Assign emergency co-ordinators. One person mustbe given overall responsibility. Then, co-ordinatorsshould be assigned for specific duties. Someone isneeded to co-ordinate:< communications;< site security and transportation;< first aid;< fire fighting;< environmental control; and< plant operations.

Emergency response teams should have the authorityto direct and manage employees and be available 24hours a day. Alternate employees should be ready totake over if any team member is not available. In asmall business, one person may be responsible formany or all duties.


2. Make an emergency calling list. Make a list of thelocal authorities in the order in which they should becalled when an emergency occurs. On the calling list,note the information that is needed to provide to theauthorities. This includes:

< name;< location of the accident;< description of the emergency;< products and quantities involved;< injuries; and< potential dangers.

Groups to inform include:

< employees on site;< managers and/or supervisors off site;< local fire and police departments;< provincial pesticide authorities; < neighbouring businesses;< legal representatives (lawyers);< insurance agencies; and< the media.

Keep a record of the time at which calls were placedand the name of the person reached. This informationmay be needed later (e.g., in court).

3. Make a list of emergency helpers from thecommunity. Contact neighbouring businesses to see ifthey can help you in an emergency. Get a contactname and phone number, list the clean-up equipmentthey have available, and note the time needed for themto respond. For example: gravel for the constructionof dikes, or a back hoe from a nearby constructioncompany, might be needed.


4. Map the storage facility and the surrounding area. The map should include:< all buildings, tanks, loading docks, containment

areas;< waterways, sewers, and drains;< outside perimeter fencing;< access routes;< main shutoff for electricity, water, and gas;< areas of hazardous materials;< location of emergency equipment;< directions (north/south);< instructions for building dikes and dams to block

runoff;< evacuation routes and shelters that could be used;

and< neighbouring residents.

5. Keep accurate inventory records at the businesssite, but away from the warehouse. Pesticideproduct names, PCP Act registration numbers, volumesstored, and locations should be noted. Keep copies ofproduct labels and MSDSs for information. If anyproduct requires special emergency treatment, make anote of it.

6. Have necessary emergency equipment availableand in working condition. This includes fireextinguishers, personal protective equipment, andcontainment equipment. Check with your local firedepartment to determine or confirm exactly what isneeded.

7. Outline the emergency procedures in the exactorder in which they need to be done. When writingthe step-by-step procedures consider the following:

< emergencies expected to be handled;


< emergencies needing outside help;< procedures for each kind of emergency;< evacuation procedures;< every task that must be done; < the person responsible for each task (put a name

beside every task); and< training for employees.

Talk to the provincial pesticide regulatory authority,your lawyer, and your insurance agent to make surethat everything needed is included.

Invite outside helpers to tour the facility and discussways in which to work together in an emergency. Besure that everyone understands their responsibilities.

Regularly practice each emergency procedure so thateveryone knows what to do. Review the procedureswith each new employee.

8. File the plan with responsible employees and localauthorities. Plans should be updated annually, or anytime that changes in the facilities or the productscarried are made. Be sure to keep all employeesinformed of any changes.

An Emergency Response Plan can be a vendor’s most important businessdocument. It can prevent a minor occurrence from becoming a major disaster.This information should be compiled in a single manual and copies madeavailable to all staff.


SafetyTraining

Pesticide vendors should ensure that training is providedregularly for all appropriate personnel. This training shouldinclude the various emergency procedures developed fortheir work areas, including:< first aid and CPR;< firefighting techniques and use of a fire extinguisher;< safe operation of a forklift;< use, cleaning, and maintenance of personal protective

equipment;< use of an eye wash; and< use of information contained on MSDSs and product

labels.

EmergencyServices,Supplies, andEquipment

Emergency services, supplies, and equipment, as describedbelow, should be available for every storage site.

First Aid Centre First aid centreLarge vendor operations may chose to designate a room or aportion of a room to serve as a first aid centre. ProvincialOccupational Health and Safety regulations will assist indefining the contents of a first aid centre and whichbusinesses must have them.

In addition, the following materials should be available atfacilities and to work crews that handle pesticides:< clean water, soap, and towels for washing;< one-way mask for giving artificial respiration;< clean water for drinking;< list of emergency phone numbers;< syrup of ipecac (available from drug stores) to induce

vomiting;< unlined gloves impervious to chemicals for the person

who administers first aid; and< MSDSs for all products likely to be handled at the site.


First Aid Kits First aid kitsRequirements for emergency first aid supplies andequipment are based on the number of workers per shift on aspecific site, the type of work being done, and the locationof the work. You should check provincial first aidregulations for a description of the necessary contents of thefirst aid kits. The items listed in Table 10.2 should beavailable for emergency response near any pesticide storagearea.

ITEM PURPOSEclean water for drinking, or washing skin or

eyes

soap to wash pesticide off skin

chemicalimpermeable gloves

to protect the personadministering first aid

cup for drinking

face mask with oneway valve

to protect the person givingmouth to mouth resuscitation

bandages to prevent pesticides fromentering wounds

blanket to cover a victim

phone numbers to call for assistance

paper towel to clean up

plastic bag to collect vomit

Table 10.2 Items for a First Aid Kit


An individual should not fight a fire involvingpesticides unless they use proper personal protectionequipment and are fully trained in fire control.

EmergencyConveyance

Emergency conveyanceWorkers must have access to emergency conveyance, eitherthrough a local ambulance service (911) or by an emergencyconveyance on the work site. Emergency conveyancevehicles must be large enough to accommodate a stretcherand passenger.

Eyewash/ShowerFacilities

Eyewash and shower facilitiesWash facilities and an eye wash kit should be immediatelyavailable wherever there is a possibility that a worker orcustomer will be splashed with pesticides or other harmfulsubstances. As a minimum, a container of clean water andan eyewash kit should be located near the display andstorage area.

Respiratory Protective Equipment

Respiratory protective equipmentRespirators equipped with pesticide cartridges should beavailable and worn wherever workers may be exposed toairborne contaminants.

Fire FightingEquipment

Firefighting equipmentFirefighting equipment should be available outside of allstorage sites and on each fork lift used to transportpesticides. Storage areas are rated as ordinary hazards, andrequire a minimum of a 2-A:10-B:C fire extinguisher within9 metres or a minimum 2-A:20-B:C fire extinguisher within15 metres travel distance to the extinguisher. Fireextinguishers on forklifts should have as a minimum a 5-B:C rating.


Fire fighting equipment should be inspected regularly toensure:< full charge;< the hose and nozzle are unobstructed;< the pull pin and seal are intact; and < extinguishers are clean and free from corrosion.

A log of inspections and repairs should be kept. If lowpressure or damaged seals are found, the extinguisher shouldbe repaired or replaced immediately. If regular equipment isremoved for longer than a few hours, replacementequipment should be substituted.

SpecificEmergencyResponseProcedures

Pesticides can be dangerous. They must be handledcarefully to prevent injury to the user or to other people. Trained staff should know how to handle them safely toprevent accidents, and always be prepared for an emergency. Here are some things you can do before an accidenthappens:< be familiar with the label of products being handled,

paying special attention to the PCP Act number, theguarantee, and any precautionary or first aidstatements;

< be familiar with the symptoms of pesticide poisoning;< know the emergency telephone numbers;< have access to plenty of clean water where pesticides

are being displayed, handled, stored, or transported;and

< ensure a number of the staff have taken a First AidCourse. In most communities, St. John Ambulanceoffers courses to help prepare for various types ofemergencies. Doctors or local hospital staff cansometimes be a source of information.


Injuries

The vendor business should develop a response plan fordealing with both minor and major accidents. The planshould include information on:< emergency phone numbers;< ambulance services;< location of First Aid kits, blankets, respirators, etc.;< list of staff trained in CPR or First Aid; and< contents of a general First Aid kit.

Anyone working with pesticides should learn the signs ofchemical poisoning and be familiar with appropriate first aidtreatment in case of an accident. Accident victims are oftennot capable of helping themselves. If an accident occurs,you need to assess the hazard, stay calm, and act quickly. Prompt action can save a life.

If a rescue of a fallen or trapped employee is required, youmust carefully assess the situation. If the rescue cannot bemade safely by Emergency Response Team members, keepthe employee warm and provide encouragement until theambulance/fire crews arrive.

Poisoning Rapid and organized response in poisoning emergencies isimportant, as it minimizes the negative effects to a poisonvictim.

General procedures for any pesticide poisoning include:< Have someone call 911 for help.< Assess the hazard before approaching the victim.

Protect yourself first. This might require that you puton personal protective equipment (respirator,waterproof gloves, coveralls), as required, prior to therescue.


< Move the victim away from any spilled pesticide orsmoke. If the victim is exposed to fumes or smoke,first protect yourself with a self-contained breathingapparatus. (Note: Unless there is an immediatethreat to life, do not move the person if spinal cordinjury is suspected.)

< Check to see if the person is conscious. If the person isunconscious, check for breathing and, if necessary,give artificial respiration. Use a one-way face mask toprevent pesticide exposure from the person’s mouth.Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may benecessary if the pulse disappears. CPR should onlybe done by properly trained people.

< If the victim is unconscious but breathing, you canremove contaminated clothing and wash contaminatedskin. Place the victim in a semi-prone position, turnedslightly to one side so as to protect the victim fromchoking should he or she vomit. Do not administeranything by mouth.

< Call a Doctor or Poison Control Centre. Give theminformation on the product from the MSDS and label. If the victim is critically ill, have someone make allemergency calls. Do not leave a seriously ill personalone. Be prepared to provide information on:• the telephone number from where the call is made;• condition of the victim (e.g., breathing, in shock,

symptoms, length of exposure, etc.);• the exact name of the product as it appears on its

label;• the PCP Act registration number from the label;• the circumstances of the poisoning (fumes, splash

from a spill, etc.);• any first aid actions taken prior to the call; and• name, age, and weight of the victim.


< Keep the person quiet, warm, comfortable, andreassured. Position the person by placing them on theirside with their head lower than the rest of their bodyand turned to one side. If the person is not conscious,keep their chin pulled forward and their head tiltedbackward slightly to allow breathing to take place. (An unconscious person should never be transportedflat on their back.); and

< Arrange emergency transportation and alert the nearesthospital as to the victim's impending arrival.

First Aid First aid provides immediate assistance (helps to stabilize aperson and sustain life) until medical help can be reached. Ifa person feels ill during or after handling pesticides, seekmedical attention immediately.

Staff working with pesticides or closely associated withthese workers should be familiar with:< all relevant emergency phone numbers;< signs and symptoms of pesticide poisonings; and< first aid for pesticide poisoning for the products being

used.

First Aid Procedures The victim may be suffering from both physical injury and apesticide accident at the same time. Internal injuries usuallytake precedence over the contamination. The propersequence for first aid treatment of pesticide accident victimsis as follows:1. Put on protective gloves.

Stay on the line to receive information on firstaid treatment, to provide additionalinformation, or to direct emergency responseservices to the victim’s location.


2. Address respiratory concerns. If the victim is notbreathing, use a one-way airway device to preventcross contamination.

3. Address circulation issues (heart beating).4. Have someone call for medical help (911).

Ocular Exposure Procedures for ocular exposure (in the eye): Follow steps 1–4 listed above, plus:5. Hold the eyelid open and wash the eye immediately

with clean running water for 15 minutes or more (referto the first aid information on the label for the specificduration time).

6. Await medical help.

Dermal Exposure Procedures for dermal exposure to non-corrosivepesticides:Follow steps 1–4 listed above, plus:5. Remove the victim’s contaminated clothing, including

footwear.6. Immediately drench the skin with cold water. Cold

water is preferred, as hot water opens pores andincreases absorption.

7. Wash the victim’s skin and hair with soap and water.8. Dry the victim and wrap them in a blanket (treatment

for shock).9. Wait for medical help.

Burns on the Skin Procedures for chemical burns on the skin:Follow steps 1–4 listed above, plus:5. Remove the chemical to stop the burning. Do not wait

for clothing to be removed. Brush dry chemical off theskin and clothing, then rinse with water. If thechemical is a liquid, rinse with lots of running water.


6. If a shower is available, place the victim in the showerfirst and then remove all contaminated clothing.

7. If no shower is available, remove contaminatedclothing.

8. Immense the burned area in ice water.9. DO NOT apply anything to the burn.10. Wait for medical help.11. Do not touch, remove any clothing stuck to the skin,

break any blisters, or use ointments on the burned area.

Oral Exposure Procedures if a pesticide is swallowed (oral exposure):Follow steps 1–4 listed above, plus:5. Read the product label or MSDSs for instructions.6. Do not induce vomiting unless upon instruction of a

poison control centre or doctor, or if specificallyindicated on the label and only if the patient is alert.

7. Do not induce vomiting if the person is unconscious orhaving convulsions.

8. Do not induce vomiting if a corrosive material orpetroleum-based product was swallowed. Instructionsshould be on the label.

9. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious ordrowsy person.

Procedures toInduce Vomiting

Under the direction of a doctor or Poison InformationCentre:

Give syrup of ipecac (15 ml [1 tablespoon] to children,30 ml [2 tablespoons] to adults). One-dose bottles ofthis product are available at most drugstores. Followwith one to two glasses of water or fruit juice. Repeatin 15 minutes if vomiting has not occurred.


Without direction from a doctor:Give a conscious, non-convulsive patient severalglasses of warm water to drink. If this does not work,tell the patient to tickle the back of their throat withtheir own finger. Vomiting caused by tickling isusually not complete and the patient must be seen by adoctor as soon as possible.The patient should be kept lying down with their headbelow the level of their feet. This position allows anyvomit to drain away from air passages. If the poisoncannot be identified, collect some of the vomit foranalysis by medical authorities.

Inhaled Pesticides Procedures if pesticides inhaled (dust, vapours, gases):NOTE: If the victim is in an enclosed space, emergencyresponders should first put on all necessary personalprotective equipment.Then follow steps 1–4 listed above, plus:5. Move the victim to fresh air.6. Loosen tight clothing.7. Prevent chilling or overheating.8. Keep the person quiet.9. Get medical help.

If full recovery takes place after first aid measures areundertaken, all victims should seek assessment by medicalpersonnel before they return to work. Appropriate staff should then review and study what went wrong so as toavoid an accident recurrence, and, if needed, revise youremergency response plan.


Pesticide Spills

Pesticide spills are hazardous because the pesticide or itsvapours can poison people, animals, or plants. Spilledpesticides, when not properly addressed, can alsocontaminate soil, sewer systems, streams, food or feed,surfaces (e.g., wood or concrete), lakes, wells, and otherwater sources.

Prevention and Preparation

Risk from leaking containers or pesticide spills can bereduced by following good storage practices (stackingheight restrictions, adequate lighting), ensuring properhandling by forklift operators, securing product while intransit, and conducting regular inventory inspections.

Maintaining a storage facility floor and containment wallsthat are impervious to chemicals should minimize broad-scale environmental damage in the case of an accidentalspill. It should also make necessary cleanup easier and lesscostly. The design of the containment system should dependon the types and quantities of pesticide being stored.

All employees should know what to do when a pesticidespill occurs. They should also be aware of the hazardsinvolved in a pesticide accident. The operation shouldensure that all appropriate employees are trained to properlyuse personal protective equipment. If everyone is wellprepared, health hazards can be reduced and environmentaldamage kept to a minimum.

Decontamination Kit The vendor facility should have a decontamination kit foruse at all sites where pesticides are stored, displayed, loaded,or handled. The kit should be fully equipped and easy toaccess in an emergency.


Contents A well-equipped spill decontamination kit should contain:< 1 - 12 litre package of heavy duty detergent;< 4 - 25 kilogram bags of absorbent material;< 2 - 4 litre containers of sodium hypochlorite (laundry

bleach);< 4 - 25 kg bags of hydrated lime (do not mix bleach and

lime);< 2 square mouthed shovels or spades;< 2 yard brooms;< 1 hand pump with hose;< 2 - 205 litre open-head drums with lids;< 2 - 205 litre sealable drums;< 2 - 20 litre open-head drums with lids;< labels to identify contents of drums;< 2 heavy plastic bags;< 2 cartridge type respirators;< 2 pair of safety goggles;< 4 pair of industrial chemical resistant gloves;< 2 pair of chemical resistant boots; and< 2 pair of overalls.

Vehicle kit The following cleanup equipment should be available onvehicles used to transport pesticide products:< personal protective equipment;< emergency phone numbers;< absorbent material;< a shovel;< an empty container with a lid for transferring ruptured

containers or contaminated materials; and< blank labels for identifying the contents of waste

containers.

Protection You should always put on appropriate personal protectiveequipment before entering a contaminated area or handling avictim. Employees who will be involved in spill cleanupmust wear proper personal protective equipment. If the spillis in a storage area, someone wearing respiratory protective


equipment should first enter the storage area to open allwindows and doors for ventilation. Electric ventilationsystems should be used only if they are explosion proof asexplosive levels of flammable materials could be present inthe air.

Before beginning cleanup, the area should be roped off andunauthorized people and vehicles kept away. Flares orsmoke should never be used near a chemical spill. If thespill occurs on a roadway or parking area, vehicles shouldbe prevented from traveling over spilled material.

If any person has come into contact with a pesticide, quickaction must be taken to stop continued exposure. Move thevictim from the contaminated area and remove allcontaminated clothing. Wash the affected skin with soapand water to prevent further exposure. Other first aidprocedures can be necessary so get medical attention as soonas possible.

Items for a spill response


Small SpillContainment

For a small spill of liquid pesticide within a storageconfinement or display area the following steps should betaken:< Keep unauthorized people away from the spill;< Put on personal protective equipment as required.< Absorb liquid material using activated charcoal, coarse

clay, or cat litter. Commercial absorbents are alsoavailable.

< Sweep or shovel the contaminated absorbent materialinto a drum or container lined with a heavy duty plasticbag. Secure the lid on the container.

< Label the drum (name of pesticide and date).< Neutralize any remaining residues. Consult the MSDS

and other information sources to determine specificneutralization techniques.

< Contact a licenced hazardous waste handling company.

Decontamination You can decontaminate hard surfaces by:< Using as small an amount of wash water as possible

(only enough to extract the pesticide, not dilute it);< Contain the wash water to the contaminated area;< Work the cleaning material into the spill area with a

coarse broom;< Absorb the excess liquid with absorbent material;< Sweep this into the waste container; < Seal the container and label (pesticide and date);< Contact the provincial pesticide authority (and IF

REQUIRED a licenced hazardous waste disposal company); and

< Store the waste until it can be disposed of properly.

Dry Product Spills For spills involving dry pesticide products, the following stepsshould be taken:< Dampen the area very slightly with small amounts of

water.


< Sweep or shovel the material into drums withtight-fitting lids.

< Label the drums (pesticide name and date).< If necessary, contact a licenced hazardous waste disposal

company.< Neutralize any remaining residues. Consult the MSDS

and other information sources to determine specificneutralization techniques.

Never use water to wash down a spill. The chemical might leach into the soil, or it might enter the groundwater system,sewage systems, streams, or lakes.

The manager of the vendor facility should be notified ofany pesticide spill that occurs in a display or storage area.

Management of aMajor Spill

For a major spill in the storage facility, or the display area, notify:< the manager; and< the product manufacturer or appropriate provincial

regulatory authority for emergency response measuresand cleanup procedures.

Follow-up Following a cleanup you should:< Ensure that all equipment (coveralls, gloves, boots,

shovels, etc.) used is accounted for, and then quarantineit for decontamination or disposal.

< Ensure any emergency responders involved in thecleanup are advised that their clothing might becontaminated and direct them to wash thoroughly beforesmoking or eating.

< Watch for poisoning symptoms in employees oremergency responders.


Disposal Consult the appropriate provincial authority for advice onproper disposal of clean-up material. The drums or containersholding the clean-up material should be covered and labelledwith "spilled pesticide - DANGER" and the name of thepesticide. Do not take them to a garbage dump unlessenvironment officials have authorized this. Contact a licensedhazardous waste disposal company for disposal of thecontainers.

Personal Hygiene After a small spill has been cleaned up, all workers involvedshould wash their hands throughly with soap and water assoon as possible. If clothing becomes contaminated, showerand change clothes.

If any person involved in the accident or cleanup begins tofeel sick (nausea, headache, etc.), immediately take them tothe nearest hospital. Take along the PCP Act registrationnumber and any additional medical treatment informationfrom the pesticide label or MSDS. The doctor or PoisonControl Centre staff can find the necessary medicalinformation for treatment of the patient from the PCP Actregistration number.

ReportingSpills

Vendors should contact their local and/or provincialenvironmental emergencies office as well as their provincialpesticide regulatory authority to report a pesticide spill. Theowner of the material, or the person who had control of itimmediately before the spill, should assess the situation andtake responsibility for the spill even if they are not at fault.The owner/controller may later seek compensation from thoseresponsible.

Pesticide Theft

Prevention The likelihood of a pesticide theft occurring can be minimizedwhen you:< keep doors and windows secured;


< keep the pesticide storage area securely locked whenunattended; and

< have adequate external lighting on all sides. The vendor facility can be liable in the event of an accidentinvolving stolen pesticides.

Response If a theft occurs, you should notify the police and theappropriate government authorities. Advise them of the PCPAct registration number, the quantity of the product stolen, andany human health or environmental hazards noted from thepesticide label or MSDSs.

Pesticide Fires An uncontrolled fire in a pesticide storage area can beextremely dangerous because the pesticides involved can beflammable, explosive, react with water, or generate toxicfumes when burning. For these reasons, special fire controltactics are required. If not properly addressed, the initialhazard from the fire can be further compounded bycontamination of the air, surface water, groundwater, or soil.

Preparation andPrevention

A facility that stores pesticides can reduce the risk to life andproperty through the development and implementation of acomprehensive emergency response plan. The following is alist of some things that can be done.< Prepare for the possibility of fire by developing the plan

before a fire occurs.< Provide the local fire department, as well as other nearby

fire departments that might be called to provide mutualaid, with the names and quantity of products beingstored.

< Keep up-to-date copies of the Material Safety DataSheets both at the facility and at a secure, off-sitelocation.


These detailed plans should be provided to the local firedepartment, and an invitation extended to them to visitthe site so as to make them familiar with the quantityand location of stored products.

< Take the time to carefully map a floor plan of thepesticide storage facility and an overview sketch of thefacility.

Floor Plan The floor plan of the storage area should indicate:< the location of the fire extinguishers and personal

protective equipment;< the position of all windows, fire doors, and access or

emergency exit doors;< location of ventilation inlets and outlets; < the exact location of any flammable or explosive

pesticides; and< location of access aisles for fire fighting equipment. The overview sketch of the facility should include:< any water sources and the volume of water available for

fire fighting;< location of any manholes, waterways, or ditches;< the direction runoff water would flow, to help determine

how to control such runoff;< location and function of other on-site buildings;< the fence line, gates, and points of access;< fire routes; and< location and function of off-site buildings (hospitals,

residential areas, schools, recreational facilities,industrial sites, etc.) surrounding the property boundary.

Employees should be familiar with what to do in anemergency and trained in the proper use of safety equipment.


Vendors should prepare procedures for evacuating andnotifying the fire department.

Fire Plan The vendor facility should have a detailed, step-by-step planof what to do if a fire occurs. Identify in advance aperson to co-ordinate activities with emergency personnel andto respond to news media questions. A fire emergency planshould include the following:< Immediately evacuate and isolate the area where the fire

is detected. Have a predetermined location for all staffto meet. Account for all staff so fire fighters know whenthey first arrive whether they need to do a search andrescue or merely attempt to control the fire.

< Call the local fire department (911) immediately whensmoke or fire is detected anywhere at the facility. Thepesticide storage area and the building in which it ishoused should have a fire detection system connected toa 24-hour automatic monitoring service.

< Determine the location and extent of the fire if this canbe done safely.

< Remind fire fighters and emergency responders thatanyone in the vicinity of the fire can be exposed to toxicfumes, poisonous run-off, and/or concentrated pesticidesfrom leaking or exploding storage containers, and of theadditional danger posed by burning pesticides and thusthe importance of wearing self contained breathingapparatus.

No one should take unnecessary risks in firefighting. It is wiser to wait for the firedepartment than to be burned, poisoned, orinjured.


< Call the police so that they can assist the fire fighterswith traffic control or initiate an evacuation of thesurrounding area.

< Call the local medical authorities and/or the local Poison Control Centre and advise them of the chemicalsinvolved.

< Cordon off the area and set up an emergency commandcentre for police, municipal disaster services,government officials, company staff, or other emergencypersonnel.

Inform emergency response personnel:< as to whether all staff are accounted for;< as to the location of the pesticide display and storage

areas within the facility;< as to what pesticides are in the affected area (provide

Material Safety Data Sheets if available);< to avoid contaminating the surrounding area by using a

minimum amount of water;< that runoff water should be controlled; and< that their clothing should be decontaminated before

leaving the scene.

Summary As a vendor, you need to be familiar with the EmergencyResponse Plan (ERP) procedures if you are to minimize therisks associated with handling pesticides. A pesticide vendorfacility can be a safe working environment. To minimize risk,managers need to prepare Emergency Response Plans toaddress pesticide poisonings, spills, or fires, as well as minorand major accidents. Everyone should participate in drills thatinvolve the use of the ERP and be able to properly respond totheir assigned duties. Being prepared with a welldocumented and practiced Emergency Response Plan willmake your pesticide vendor facility a safer place foremployees, the community, and the environment.


Referencematerial only

Fire prevention

A pesticide storage facility can be made a safer place by: < keeping an inventory of stored pesticides in an easily

accessible location away from the storage area;< informing the fire department as to where all pesticides

are stored;< posting a warning sign on all entrances to the storage

facility;< keeping emergency phone numbers handy;< keeping a fire-extinguisher approved for chemical fires

near the storage area;< getting advice from the local fire department about

adequate fire equipment for the facility, i.e., a sprinklersystem;

< developing a plan of action to address a fire;< installing a smoke alarm / detection system;< training employees to respond properly in an

emergency;< not using open flames for welding, burning, or cutting in

the pesticide storage area;< using stretch wrapping rather than shrink wrapping,

because stretch wrap does not require heating;< ensuring that the pesticide storage area meets all

required codes (i.e., National Fire Code, NationalBuilding Code, National Electrical Code);

< not having spare flammable, compressed, liquifiedstorage cylinders inside the storage facility;

< not allowing flammable or combustible products to bestored inside the storage facility;

< not allowing staff or customers to smoke in the storagearea;

< ensuring that the heating system is designed to preventcontact with explosive vapour; and

< securing doors and windows to prevent unauthorizedentry to the property.

After a fire has occurred:< secure the area to prevent entry;< ensure that emergency responders are aware of the

importance of decontaminating all equipment used inthe emergency;


< ensure that emergency responders are aware of theimportance of minimizing the use of water to control thefire;

< report adverse health effects noted by anyone involved inthe fire;

< contact the proper provincial authorities for advice ondisposal of debris;

< advise provincial or municipal authorities of any runoff;and

< have staff cooperate with local fire department personnelto assist in determining the cause of the fire.

Environmentalconcerns

Groundwater and surface water contaminationHistorical evidence has shown that environmental damageresulting from fires involving pesticides increases inproportion to the volume of water used to control andextinguish the fire. This run-off water is often heavilycontaminated with toxic compounds and is extremely difficultto contain without diking. Similarly, products of incompletecombustion, due to low temperature burns, tend to besubstantially more toxic and less stable than are the originalcompounds.

Air quality contamination Air quality, at or near ground level, during a pesticide fire will deteriorate dramatically as the combustion temperature isreduced. A combustion temperature of 982 degrees Celsius,for example, provides for the complete thermal decompositionof pesticides. The resulting emissions are primarily carbonand water. At this temperature all contaminants are carriedinto the high atmosphere where dispersion ensures that toxiclevels do not occur at or near ground level.

As the combustion temperature is reduced, various noxiousand toxic gases can be created. In addition, steam generatedfrom the addition of water to the fire carries contaminatedparticles into lower levels of the atmosphere where they returnquickly to the ground. As an example, air dispersion models


run on pesticides indicate that where exit temperatures dropfrom 650 degrees Celsius to 400 degrees Celsius, groundlevel contaminants rise by a factor of three.

Life safety concerns

First responders and the publicProtection of first responders and the public is a majorconcern with fires involving pesticides. Historically,pesticides have not caused serious casualties among thepublic or first responders who have been adequately trained.

As demonstrated in the previous discussion on air quality, themanagement of respirable contaminants at ground levelhinges on the temperature of combustion, and the exittemperatures from a structure. When fires have been allowedto burn at high temperatures, the risk has been loweredsignificantly.

First responders at an incident involving pesticides must beprotected with a minimum of self-contained breathingapparatus and standard turn-out gear. If a facility is fullyinvolved or free burning, life safety is greatly enhanced byremaining outside the structure and upwind of smoke andexhaust gasses.

Professionalism 11-1

Professionalism 11Introduction The storage and sale of pesticides is not only a business, but

also a profession. A profession that carries with it a greatnumber of responsibilities because of the potential impact ofpesticides on customers, the public, and the environment. These responsibilities require that the management andemployees of all pesticide vendor facilities conductthemselves and their business in a professional manner. Equally important, they must be perceived by the communityto be doing so.

LearningObjectives

Completion of this chapter will help you to:< Deal professionally with the public< Conduct your business in a professional manner

LegalRequirements

A pesticide vendor facility is a component of the communityand so it is required that business be conducted in a legalmanner at all times.

Some of the items that a domestic pesticide vendor mustconsider include the following:< They must be familiar with and comply with all federal

and provincial regulations, as well as municipal by-laws. This means that they must:! sell only federally registered pesticides; ! restrict access to the display and storage of

controlled purchase domestic pesticides; and! display, transport and dispose all pesticides in

compliance with provincial regulations.


< They must make sure the business is licenced and thatassociated employees are certified as required byprovincial regulations.

< They must keep and supply annual sales records (e.g., adescription of the pesticide [name, PCP number,quantity, package size, etc.]), as required by provincialregulations.

VendorResponsibilities

A number of ways exist whereby a pesticide vendor candisplay professionalism.

Customer Customers will often look to you as a source of information. As a professional, you should be in a position to providegeneral advice to your customers, or to direct them to localsources of information on:< selection of personal protective equipment;< disposal of empty pesticide containers and unwanted

product;< Integrated Pest Management programs;< Material Safety Data Sheets; or < proper transportation, handling, use, storage, and

disposal of a pesticide.

Community The business of storing and selling pesticides carries with it apotential for risk to the surrounding community. It is yourresponsibility to make the operation of storing and sellingpesticides as safe as possible for your employees, for thoseliving in the surrounding community, and for theenvironment.

Environment As a vendor, you have a responsibility to show bothcustomers and the public that you care for the environment. The best way to do this is by example. Selected ways toshow professionalism and help protect the environmentinclude the following:< Promote the proper handling, use, and disposal of any

pesticide.


< Immediately clean up any spilled pesticide and stressthe importance of doing this to your customers.

< Advise the fire department of the importance ofminimizing the amount of water used to fight a fire in apesticide storage facility.

< Have a plan for the on-site containment of any run-offwater.

PublicRelations

Public relations refers to positive interactions between thestaff or management of the pesticide vendor facility andcustomers, property owners bordering the facility, emergencyresponders, concerned citizen groups, and governmentpersonnel.

Good public relations will:< enhance credibility;< improve public and customer confidence; and< help to deal with complaints or difficulties arising from

activities related to the operation of the facility.

You can build strong positive public relations by:< being knowledgeable and trained about the profession;< having a good attitude;< carrying out work activities in a professional manner;

and< communicating with the public.

Knowledge andTraining

Management and staff should continue to upgrade theirknowledge of the pesticide sales business by attendingseminars, trade shows, and courses or by reading journals,papers, and other literature. They must also beknowledgeable regarding: < provincial regulations and municipal by-laws for

pesticide vendors and applicators;< information on individual product labels; and< resources (people, publications, organizations, etc.) that

can provide specific types of information.


Attitude It is important that vendor management and staff project apositive attitude. A positive attitude is shown when you: < respond quickly and effectively to requests for

information and to complaints, concerns, oremergencies;

< are credible (e.g., honest, courteous, polite, andrespectful of others) at all times;

< only sell pesticides for registered uses;< refuse to work under unsafe conditions;< comply with government and industry standards;< consider the concerns of bystanders and neighbours

regarding outlet operation; and< are conscientious of varying public opinions.

Work Habits You conduct work activities professionally when you:< are environmentally safety conscious and human safety

conscious and follow safety practices;< advise others to handle and apply pesticides

responsibly, according to the label and other applicationguidelines;

< maintain clean and safe display and storage areas;< avoid unethical sales gimmicks; and< set a good example for your customers.

Communication Communication, which involves listening as well asspeaking, can be improved when you :< understand the issues that concern your customers and

others in the community;< listen to public concerns and try to understand and

appreciate varying viewpoints;< understand that a problem can often be avoided by

becoming a good listener, and by being honest, frank,open, and cooperative;

< keep the community informed about business practices,especially when these affect their health or safety; and

< involve local and neighbouring fire departments,emergency response services, municipal council,community groups, neighbours, and the media in mock


disasters at the facility. Make sure emergencyresponders are aware of your Emergency ResponsePlans for spills, injury, vehicle accidents, and fires.

Appendix A Glossary of Pesticide Terms


Absorption is the movement of pesticides into organisms (plants, animals) or structures(soil, wood, etc.).

Action threshold is the point at which treatment should take place in order to prevent thepest population from reaching the injury threshold.

Active ingredient (a.i.) is the part of a pesticide formulation that produces the desiredeffects.

Acute toxicity is the adverse effects that occur within a few hours to a few days afterexposure. Adjuvant is a substance added to a pesticide mixture to enhance the pesticide’s qualities.

Adsorption is the binding of chemicals to soil particles or other material.

Baits are mixtures of large particles, not recognized as a pellet or granular formulation, andan edible material.

Calibration is a procedure for checking and adjusting the delivery rate of applicationequipment.

Certified applicator means a person possessing a provincially approved pesticide applicatorcertificate bearing the name of that person.

Chemical name is the name of the chemical structure of the active ingredient. Chronic toxicity refers to the adverse effects that occur and persist over time afterexposure(s) to a poison.

Commercial pesticides are products registered for use in agriculture, forestry, industry, orother commercial operations.

Common name refers to the name of the active ingredient.


Controlled Purchase Domestic Pesticide is defined as any domestic pesticide notdesignated in Schedule 8 of the PEI Pesticides Control Act regulations as a self selectdomestic pesticide and any fertilizer within the meaning of the Fertilizers Act (Canada) thatcontains a pesticide. This includes all fertilizer–pesticide combination products.

Degradation is the breakdown of pesticides into other compounds.

Deleterious substance refers to any substance that, if added to water, would degrade or alteror form part of a process of degradation or alteration of the quality of that water so that it isrendered or is likely to be rendered deleterious to fish or fish habitat, or to the use by man offish that frequent that water.

Dermal absorption is the intake of a substance through the skin.

Desorption occurs when bound pesticides are released from the soil or other material.Released pesticide residues are then more available for uptake and effect on theenvironment.

Domestic pesticides are registered for use in or around the home. Domestic pesticides arefurther classified in Prince Edward Island, as either self select or controlled purchasedomestic pesticides.

Dry flowables are wettable powders which are formulated into small pellets or granules.

Dusts are finely ground dry materials consisting of a low active ingredient plus inertingredients. They are ready to use.

Emulsifiable concentrates or emulsions are a clear solution with emulsifiers to be diluted inwater. They form milky spray mixtures when combined with water.

Eradication refers to the total elimination of a pest population.

Flowables or suspensions are liquids that consist of solid particles of active ingredientsuspended in a liquid.

Formulants refer to inert or other materials that are added to the active ingredient to make itsuitable for storage, handling, or application.

Formulation is a mixture of active ingredients and formulants.

Granulars are a dry mixture of large, free-flowing particles with a low concentration ofactive ingredient.


Groundwater is found below the surface of the earth. Most groundwater occurs in zones ofrock, sand, or gravel that are saturated with water. These zones are known as aquifers.

Guarantee statement states the active ingredients in the product and the amount of eachingredient.

Half-life is the time it takes for one-half of the initial amount of a pesticide to break down inthe environment.

Ingestion or oral exposure refers to the intake of a substance by mouth.

Inhalation refers to the absorption of airborne particles of a substance.

Injury threshold is when a pest population reaches numbers such that it causesunacceptable injury or damage, sufficient to justify treatment.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a decision making process that uses all necessarytechniques to suppress pests effectively, economically, and in an environmentally soundmanner.

Label is defined in the PCP Act to include: any legend, word, mark, symbol, or designapplied or attached to, included in, belonging to, or accompanying any control product.

LC50 stands for lethal concentration 50, which is the concentration ( expressed in parts permillion) of a pesticide in the air or water sufficient to kill one-half of the test animalsexposed to the pesticide. The smaller the number, the more toxic the pesticide.

LD50 stands for lethal dose 50, which is the amount of a substance (mg/kg) that will kill one-half of the test animals exposed to the pesticide. The smaller the number, the more toxic thepesticide.

Leaching is the movement of pesticides with water through the soil.

Manufacturing pesticides are used in manufacturing, formulating, or repackaging and arenot for use by applicators.

Maximum Residue Limit or MRL is the maximum amount of pesticide residue that maysafely be contained in food products. MRLs are established by the Health EvaluationDivision of Health Canada.


Micro-encapsulated suspensions are composed of small capsules of active ingredientsuspended in a liquid. They slowly release the active ingredient.

Net contents may be listed as weight or volume measures. This information will help theapplicator to decide how many packages of a pesticide product are needed.

Non-point source refers to when the pesticide is applied over a large area.

Ocular exposure is the intake of a substance through the eyes.

Open body of water means a river, stream, watercourse, bay, estuary, open municipalreservoir, farm pond, dugout, or other body of water, whether it contains water continuouslyor intermittently.

Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), Health Canada, is responsible foradministration of the Pest Control Products Act and Regulations.

Pellets are mixtures of active ingredients and formulants. They are typically formed intospheres, cylinders or other small solid pieces.

Pest is a harmful, noxious, or troublesome organism. Pests include weeds, insects, fungi,bacteria, viruses, rodents, or other plants or animals.

Pesticide is anything that is intended to prevent, destroy, repel, attract, or manage a pest. Pesticides also include plant growth regulators, plant defoliants, and plant desiccants.

Pesticide resistance is the term that describes the situation that occurs when a portion of apest species is able to survive a pesticide dose that had previously controlled the species.

Pesticide applicator certificate means a document issued to a certified applicator.

Photodegradation refers to the breakdown of pesticides by sunlight.

Phytotoxic chemical is a chemical that is toxic to plants and can cause damage or injury tothem.

Point source contamination refers to those instances where a large amount of pesticide isreleased into a small area (accidental spill, pesticide fire, or improper disposal).


Pressurized products are aerosols, sprays, foams, or dusts packed in a pressurizedcontainer. They may be liquids, solids, or gases.

Product name may describe the formulation, use, active ingredient, and distinctive brand ortrademark of a pest control product.

Registration number is usually written as “REGISTRATION NO. 00000 PESTCONTROL PRODUCTS ACT”. The higher the number, the more recently the product wasregistered.

Restricted pesticides are commercial type pesticides having certain limitations on the label.

Risk is the chance that someone or something will be harmed by a pesticide.

Runoff is the movement of water over a sloping surface. Pesticides may be mixed in thewater or bound to soil particles that move with such water.

Self Select Domestic Pesticide is defined as any domestic class pesticide designated as aself select domestic pesticide in Schedule 8 of the PEI Pesticides Control Act regulations.

Soluble granules are solid materials (like granulars) that can be dissolved in a liquid.

Soluble powders are dry materials, similar to dusts, that are soluble in water.

Solutions are clear liquids composed of an active ingredient dissolved in a solvent.

Spray drift is the airborne movement of spray droplets away from a treatment site duringapplication.

Surface water refers to water that is clearly visible on the earth’s surface (ditches, streams,ponds, rivers, lakes, oceans, etc).

Tablets may be active ingredients alone, or active ingredients and formulants. They areformed into small blocks or spheres.

Tank mixes are mixtures of different pesticides blended in the same spray tank.

Toxicity is the harm a particular pesticide can cause to an organism.


Toxicological information provides information for medical personnel regarding thetreatment of persons who have been poisoned, intoxicated, or injured by a pesticide.

Vapour drift is the movement of pesticide vapours in the air as a result of productevaporation from treated surfaces at any time during or after completion of a spray operation.

Volatilization is the process where solid or liquid substances evaporate into a vapour (gas).

Wettable powders consist of active ingredient plus a powder. They contain wetting anddispersing agents, and are mixed with water to form a suspension.

Appendix B References

Appendix B References

The following publications were used or reviewed in the preparation of this training manual.

British Columbia. 2001. Integrated Pest Management Manual for Home and Garden Pests inBC. The B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks.

Crop Protection Institute. 2006. Warehousing Audit Protocols and User Guide. AgrichemicalWarehousing Standards Association.

Health Canada. 1995. Basic Knowledge Requirements for Pesticide Education in Canada:Vendor/Dispenser Core.

Health Canada. 1995. Basic Knowledge Requirements for Pesticide Education in Canada:Vendor/Dispenser Module for Commercial and Restricted Products.

Appendix C Schedule 2

Appendix C SCHEDULE 2

EXCLUDED PESTICIDES

An excluded pesticide is any pesticide that is used,(a) as a bactericide in cutting oils or aviation and marine fuels;(b) in household

(i) cleansers,(ii) deodorizers,(iii) disinfectants, or(iv) soaps;

(c) as a dust control agent;(d) as a fabric softener;(e) as a bactericide or algaecide for use in swimming pools, domestic water supplies,industrial cooling systems, home aquaria, aquaculture facilities, or ornamental pools;(f) as a surfactant, preservative or adjuvant;(g) to control, destroy, mitigate, attract or repel any organism that is injurious to ornoxious or troublesome for humans or domestic animals;(h) as bait for flies, powder or liquid formulations for lice, or in a commercialbarn spray;(i) in pesticide analysis and research work in a laboratory or experimental researchplot;(j) in an industrial process incorporating a pesticide into a manufactured product onthe premises where the product is manufactured; or(k) by medical practitioners, veterinarians or health officers for the purpose oftreatment, control, mitigation or prevention of pests in or on humans or animals.(EC761/05)

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